B.C. Highway Patrol issued more than 1,100 speeding tickets in the Kootenays during October as part of its Drive Relative to Conditions and Pedestrian Awareness campaign.
The regional total was part of 7,888 tickets handed out provincewide in a month-long push to remind drivers to slow down as weather, daylight and road conditions worsen with the changing season.
“As drivers we are guilty of thinking that we are exceptional. We make excuses about why the rules should not apply to us,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“But once you hit another human being, or an animal, or badly injure yourself, it’s too late to be smarter or act better.”
Officers issued 1,171 speeding tickets in the Kootenay region, which includes communities such as Revelstoke, Nelson, Cranbrook and Golden. Vancouver Island and the South Coast recorded higher totals, with 1,598 and 2,167 tickets, respectively.
The campaign highlighted that posted speed limits are set for ideal conditions: dry roads, clear weather and daylight. Drivers are expected to reduce speed in poor weather, low visibility or heavy traffic. With the increased hazard of winter driving conditions, it’s extremely important to be sober, alert, and undistracted.
Pedestrians were also a focus of the campaign. Officials encouraged people walking or cycling to wear reflective clothing, obey traffic signals and put phones away to reduce risk.
“None of us are special drivers or invulnerable pedestrians,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “The weather has turned now and it’s dark most of the time. Slow down and avoid getting a ticket or something worse. Help us create a safer and better experience on our roads.”
