October is the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Drive Relative to Conditions campaign, and police are reminding drivers to slow down when conditions deteriorate.
“Speed limits are created for ideal conditions, and that’s not what we’re seeing now,” says Superintendent Lori Orstad with BC Highway Patrol. “Wet roads and darkness give drivers less time to react and make it harder to stop. Give yourself extra time on your commute.”
BC Highway Patrol says there will be extra enforcement throughout the month. Officers will be watching not only for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit but also for motorists travelling too quickly for road, weather or visibility conditions.
A news release notes drivers could face a $196 fine for driving too quickly for road conditions, even if they are below the posted speed limit.
Officers are also reminding pedestrians that darkness can make them less visible to drivers.
“Pedestrians can help themselves by choosing bright, reflective clothing, obeying traffic lights and making sure they have their eyes up and their phones away when they are crossing the street,” says Orstad. “It may be the driver’s fault if you are hit in a crosswalk but that’s no consolation if you’re badly hurt or killed.”
