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Police targeting high-risk drivers this weekend

The month-long campaign will have police watching closely for speeders and distracted drivers over the long weekend.
speeding

Got big plans for the long weekend? Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there so there's no need to speed, police are warning.

Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Services, Tri-Cities Speed Watch volunteers and ICBC are focusing on high-risk drivers throughout May, and in particular over the long weekend.

"High-risk driving behaviours, like speeding, increase your risk of crashing," said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety co-ordinator, in a release. "Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don't feel the need to rush."

Speeding continues to be a leading cause in car crash fatalities in B.C. Almost half (43%) of all police-reported casualty crashes in B.C. have high-risk driving — speeding, failing to yield, running red lights, following too closely and improper passing — as a contributing factor.

Officers were scheduled to do an enforcement blitz on the Mary Hill Bypass last night (Thursday), to target the particularly high-collision area.

Drivers are reminded that speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the time it takes to stop, to be more realistic about travel times and give yourself extra time to reach your destination and that speed should be relative to the road and weather conditions.

And be sure to leave your phone alone, even when stopped at a red light. The new fines for distracted driving kick in June 1 and start at $543.

spayne@tricitynews.com
@spayneTC