News
Bad Driving Habits Drive Up Personal Injuries
After hearing earlier this week about the fatal motor vehicle accident in Surrey, BC killing 3 men and seriously injuring a fourth, we are reminded that careless driving can have devastating consequences. The accident referred to occurred last early August and was blamed on "ridiculous" speed. The 4 occupants crossed a closed construction lane and hit the back of a parked flatdeck truck, instantly killing 3 and serious personal injury to a fourth.
Despite campaigns by the police and ICBC to raise awareness about the importance of smart driving behaviours and the impact of high-risk driving, serious accidents continue to be a concern for anyone traveling our roadways. It is estimated that every year more than 75,000 people suffer personal injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents in British Columbia.
Most of these accidents are caused by high-risk driving behaviours such as speeding, following too closely, failing to yield, improper passing, and ignoring stop signs or other traffic control devices. We all engage in high risk driving from time to time mainly because we fail to appreciate that such behaviour can lead to personal injury – the "it-won't-happen-to-me" lie that we tell ourselves. We must discipline ourselves not to take risks that will injure ourselves or others. The single most effective way to reduce your risk on the roadway is to slow down. Slowing down allows us to be more aware and attentive to the chaos that is unfolding around us and gives us time to respond accordingly. It's simple, reducing speed means reducing personal injuries.