Motorists travelling through Cranbrook and across British Columbia this Victoria Day long weekend can expect to see more police on the roads, including roving patrols, unmarked vehicles, and roadside check stops.
BC Highway Patrol is ramping up enforcement province-wide aimed at reducing collisions and fatalities during what is traditionally one of the most dangerous weekends on B.C. highways.
“The May long weekend sees an average of three deaths and nearly 2,200 crashes every year,” said Supt. Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol.
“We’re using every resource available to make this weekend safer for everyone on the road.”
The long weekend enforcement is part of a larger campaign focused on high-risk driving and motorcycle safety.
Police are targeting impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and drivers not wearing seatbelts.
Locally, Cranbrook will see increased patrols and check stops, along with neighbouring areas such as Golden, Revelstoke, and Nelson.
Officers will also be using high-altitude locations to spot dangerous driving behaviours from a distance.
Operations will continue through Monday, with a focus on major routes, including Highway 3, and collaboration with local RCMP detachments.
ICBC data shows that while collisions dropped significantly in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, numbers have been climbing since.
Police hope visibility and enforcement will encourage safer behaviour behind the wheel this year.
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