With more cars on B.C. roads over the May long weekend, Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General joined Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, along with Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness in an online video to remind drivers to stay safe: https://youtu.be/CrtjEDBFc58

Quotes:

Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General –

“Long weekends make for busier than normal traffic on our roads, meaning police will be out in full force, enforcing traffic laws to make sure everyone gets home safely. Be sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Too many people get needlessly hurt in motor vehicle crashes, especially during holidays when there are so many cars on the road.

“Remember, distracted driving is one of the biggest contributors to deaths and injuries on our roads. So please, do yourself and everyone else a favour, don’t drink and drive and keep your eyes off your phone and on the road. We want all B.C. families to enjoy the Victoria Day long weekend and arrive at their destinations safe and sound.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“A preventable cause of crashes on holiday weekends is driver fatigue. If you find your concentration wandering, or feel a little drowsy, don’t just open the window – give your eyes a break from windshield time and stop at one or more of the 170 rest areas along provincial highways. In fact, you can plan where to take a break along your route, as the locations are mapped on Drive BC. Some even have scenic look-outs or short trails, so they’re well worth a visit.”

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness –

“British Columbians spend much of their time in vehicles exploring the countless beautiful and remote corners of our vast province. But the simple fact is that an emergency can happen anywhere and at any time.

“So before heading out on your long weekend adventure, ensure your vehicle is fit for travel and buy or assemble an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle at all times.

“A roadside emergency kit is the last thing anyone wants to use, but it’s also the best thing to have on hand should the need ever arise. These kits include flares, blankets, food and water – the basic supplies needed to alert other drivers of your location and keep you and your loved ones safe until help can arrive. Please visit the PreparedBC website to learn more about how to build an emergency kit for your home, vehicle and pets.”