5 Most Common Car Accidents in Metro Vancouver

Personal injury related to automobile accidents is one of the most common and avoidable causes of injury in British Columbia with over 330,000 crashes occurring every year as of 2016. We’ve compiled a list of the five most common car accidents in Metro Vancouver:

Speeding & Reckless Driving

Unfortunately, speeding and reckless driving have always been one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. We are all overloaded with our day-to-day lives and sometimes getting from A to B on time can be frustrating. However, knowing that speeding is one of the common causes of car accidents, is it really worth the risk? To prevent driving over the speed limit, ensure you leave earlier to allow for extra time in reaching your destination.

Driving on wet and or icy roads requires patience and slower speeds. Always be cautious driving in slick weather and leave extra space between you and the next vehicle – following too closely can make it difficult to stop suddenly if needed without hitting the vehicle ahead.

Tailgating

All too common in Metro Vancouver, tailgating or following a car too closely is one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions. If by chance you need to make a sudden stop, adequate space between you and another vehicle is necessary. Driving schools always recommend there is at least 3 seconds of time between the driver and vehicle ahead.

Driver Fatigue

Unfortunately, crashes are being caused by driver fatigue that especially peaks in the summer months of July and August. Hot weather and long extended drives are causing accidents by drivers who unexpectedly fall asleep at the wheel after feeling fatigued or mentally drained. Driving while overtired is just as dangerous as any other type of impaired or distracted driving.

Distracted Driving

Talking or texting on mobile devices while driving has become a big problem in the province and worldwide. As our reliance on technology has increased, heavy addiction to our devices and the inability to put the phone down while driving has caused more crashes than ever before. If the driver is not focused on the road ahead and distracted by talking on the phone, responding to a text, email, or any other common distraction like eating, applying makeup or even reading can not only put the driver and their passengers in danger but can seriously injure or even kill another innocent driver.

To prevent distractive driving, turn your phone off before entering your vehicle. Eat or drink before you hit the road and let friends and family know that you do not respond to calls or messages while driving.

Impaired Driving

ICBC statistics reveal that an alarming 23% of fatal collisions were caused by impaired drivers. Fortunately, BC has the strictest drinking and driving laws in Canada – however, drivers are still getting behind the wheel under the influence. Whether it be alcohol, illegal or legal drugs or heavy narcotics, drivers are risking their lives and others every day.

• Take your turn being the designated driver
• Plan your evening ahead of time
• Always have a local taxi number logged in your phone
• Familiarize yourself with public transit routes and schedule times
• Don’t hesitate to call a friend

By being aware of the five most common causes of accidents in Metro Vancouver and taking measures to avoid a crash, you can prevent any personal injuries to yourself or others down the road. If you have been in an accident and have a personal injury, contact our trusted team at Tim Louis & Company Law today at 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com.

Source: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Documents/crashes-casualty.pdf