BC Highway Patrol launches High-Risk Driving and Motorcycle Awareness Campaign

May is High-Risk Driving and Motorcycle Awareness Month in B.C., and that means extra enforcement operations for: Impaired driving; Aggressive driving (including speeding and excessive speeding); Distracted driving; Seatbelt violations; motorcycle safety.

It’s all part of BC Highway Patrol’s effort to lessen the impact of the most dangerous weekend of the year on B.C. roads- the May long weekend.

“BC Highway Patrol has seen a recent uptick in excessing speeding, crashes involving motorcycles, and impaired driving. All road users need to start driving more reasonably right now to reverse the recent trend and make our roadways safer for everyone,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol.

“Public safety is our top priority and we take it very seriously. People who choose to ignore safety will certainly be educated on its importance.”

In B.C., the May long weekend has an average of over 2100 collisions with four fatalities. So far, the spring of 2025 is not encouraging:

• On April 19, 2025, a BC Highway Patrol Officer stopped and impounded two excessive speeders at once travelling over the narrow Vedder Canal Bridge in Chilliwack;
• On April 14, a man received a $483 speeding ticket for driving more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on the Nanaimo Parkway while he was on his way to pick up his child. The driver also failed two breath tests for impairment;
• On April 13, 16 excessive speeders were impounded in a single day by a small group of BC Highway Patrol officers;
• On April 9, a motorcycle that was being driven recklessly crashed in the Massey Tunnel causing huge delays for other road users and sending the motorcycle rider to hospital.

Motorcycle safety is a lot like high-risk driving; you have to take responsibility for your own unsafe behaviours while also watching out for other people who are being unsafe, says Superintendent Coyle. Before you speed, ask yourself: Would I be happy to donate $500 to the government and lose my vehicle for a week? You might prefer to slow down, enjoy your drive, and arrive at your destination safely and stress-free.

Tips for safer driving and riding:

• Slow down and drive (or ride) within your skills and ability;
• Never drive or ride while impaired, tired, or distracted;
• Watch out for more motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians as the weather warms up;
• Plan extra time for slower recreational vehicles, trucks, and construction;
• Consider adding extra stops to improve your mood and focus while driving;
• Consider purchasing, lighter, smaller-displacement motorcycles that are easier to handle and more fun to ride at slower, reasonable speeds;
• Consider advanced rider or driver training.

BC Highway Patrol photo

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, Media Relations Officer

BC Highway Patrol

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