Car crashes in BC have hit an 'all-time high' according to ICBC

The number of car crashes in BC has hit an “all-time high” according to ICBC.

In a new report, the public insurer said that in 2017 alone, there was a total of 350,000 crashes across the province – the equivalent of about 960 a day, or 40 crashes per hour.

This is a 25% increase in car crashes since 2014.

ICBC said that essentially, this means that that one out of every 10 drivers could cause a crash this year.

Bad habits, frustrations continue

Despite these latest, less-than-encouraging figures, ICBC said a new survey from Insights West revealed that bad driving habits continue to persist as well. In fact, the majority (75%) of respondents admitted to displaying bad driving habits on the road.

The survey also named bad driving behaviours as the top frustration for drivers, over traffic and road construction. Bad driving behaviours were also one of the main reasons why British Columbians think that driving is more challenging than it was five years ago.

In addition, 60% of those surveyed believe drivers are worse today, pointing in particular to distracted driving (41%), lack of respect for driving rules (22%), speeding (16%), and aggressive behaviours, like cutting someone off (12%).

New online “refresher course” launched

In a release, ICBC speculated that some of the bad driving on the roads could be attributed to “the loss of driving knowledge.”

It noted that two-fifths of drivers surveyed admitted that there are rules of the road they’ve likely forgotten.

In response, ICBC has launched the Drive Smart Refresher Test, a free online tool on BC’s driving rules.

“We all have a personal responsibility to keep the roads safe for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers,” said ICBC’s Lindsay Matthews. “Not only will safer driving help to reduce crashes, it helps to ensure that customers are paying the lowest possible amount for their premiums.”

There were 3.25 million BC-insured vehicles on the road last year.

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