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By Bev Boyle

It seems we bring this up every year around this time, but there are obviously many drivers that do not know how to ‘slow down.’

RCMP reports are commonly notated with ‘excessive speed’ as the cause of accidents and deaths and hopefully this will prevent at least one of those.

When hurrying to get to your destination, remember to follow at a safe distance and to allow at least two seconds between you and the vehicle in front in good weather, and at least three seconds on the highway. In bad weather and on uneven roads, keep about four seconds of following distance.

If you think a collision can’t be prevented, steer to the right. Head for the least-harmful option on the side of the road.

You must wear your seatbelts. Not only is it the law, but it reduces your chances of being badly injured.

Always be realistic about your travel times. Consider the weather, road conditions, bathroom and store breaks and highway construction. Don’t get angry at drivers that cut you off or tailgate you, they are the idiots, not you.

The faster you go, the longer it takes before your vehicle can come to a stop. At 30km’h, it takes 18 metres to come to a full stop. At 80 km/hr, it takes 76 metres. And at 110 km/hr, it takes 126 metres.

Also, remember this little bit of advice from ICBC:  The faster you go, the more you pay!

Beginning in January 2009, if you have one or more excessive speeding ticket, you’ll pay a Driver Risk Premium (DRP). It’s based on convictions over a three-year period, and includes any offences that occur on or after Jan. 1, 2008.

And you’ll pay the DRP on top of your cost of insurance.

If you’re caught speeding up to 20 km/h over the limit in your community or on a highway, the fine is $138. If you’re caught doing more than 60 km/h, the fine is $483. In a school, playground or construction zone, if you’re caught going up to 20 km/h over the speed limit, the fine is $196. And if you’re caught going more than 60 km/h, you’ll pay $483.

Winter is here, in the Cariboo, and the road conditions will get worse. When driving on icy or snowy roads, slow down! Make sure you accelerate gently and steer smoothly. It is also good to carefully test your braking and steering at a very slow speed. You’ll be amazed at some of the results. Sometimes when you think you can stop in a second, you’ll find your vehicle keeps on going.

You will avoid accidental rear-enders by allowing extra space between you and other vehicles and always slow down before curves and corners. Make sure you gear-down before attempting icy hills and avoid passing.

If everyone followed these tips, accidents would be rare on our highways. Talk to drivers you know that speed and make sure your kids know ALL these safe-driving tips!

Your comments are always welcome.

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