Road Safety
When we talk about road safety, usually speeding or drinking and driving come to mind. But road safety is important not only to drivers, but to pedestrians, children and the elderly. Road safety includes safe driving and knowing risks associated with decisions you make while driving, walking or biking.
The following are some important organizations that help with road safety in British Columbia:
- Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV) - Ministry of Justice - is the lead provincial agency for road safety. OSMV develops road safety legislation, policy and programs in areas such as driver fitness, impaired driving, motorcycle safety and distracted driving. To learn more about initiatives and responsibilities, visit their website
- Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) - is a Crown corporation that provides basic insurance to all B.C. motorists. ICBC promotes driver and vehicle safety through road safety campaigns and activities. To learn more, visit their website.
- BCAA Road Safety Foundation - provides education and training for road safety and licensing. BCAA believes most car accidents could be avoided. Their goal is to reduce car accidents and related injuries and deaths. To learn more, visit their website.
People using roads in any way can be exposed to serious safety hazards when they encounter:
- pedestrians in crosswalks or using walk lights at schools, malls and in residential areas,
- youth who are learning to drive or even,
- experienced drivers who may be distracted, or
- elderly and disabled people.
You encounter many different conditions when you drive. You need to be aware there are consequences for decisions you make and how you react to situations. For example, traffic congestion can be frustrating, leading drivers to drive aggressively or carelessly, which can cause accidents. It is important to understand how your reactions can impact others.
To learn more, explore: Importance of Road Safety and Impaired Driving.
