Letter to the Editor

The August long weekend is upon us and the BC RCMP would like everyone to enjoy the weekend but also remember to use your road sense and stay safe. This year police will be out in force along our roads and highways in an attempt to reduce the number of crashes during the August long weekend.

If you are travelling this weekend follow a few simple rules to help ensure that you, your loved ones and people sharing the road reach their destination safely:

Leave plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you when travelling on the highway and follow the posted speed limits.

Make sure all passengers use their seat belts, and use approved restraining devices for pets. In the event of an accident unsecured pets are at risk of being seriously hurt or killed, and can seriously hurt people in the vehicle

Put your cell phone away, or pull over at a safe location if you need to make a call. Road conditions can change in an instant and distracted drivers may not be able to react in time.

Remember to slow down or move over if safe to do so when approaching an emergency vehicle with emergency lights activated on the side of the road. The law states that all vehicles must slow down to 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is less than 80 km/h and 70 km/h when the posted speed limit is more than 80 km/h while passing emergency vehicles.

If you plan to consume alcohol don’t drive. Make sure that you have an alternate way to get home such as a designated driver, transit or a cab.

Don’t accept a ride with anyone who consumed alcohol or has taken drugs. Remember that various factors such as fatigue, heat and diet change how alcohol and drugs affect people.

As police officers, it is our goal to make sure that everyone arrives at their destination and returns home safely. By following the rules of the road we can make sure that there are no serious injuries or traffic fatalities on B.C.’s roadways this weekend.

Cpl. Robert Mc Donald,

E Division Traffic Services,

BC RCMP

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