May is High Risk Road User Month in BC

High Risk Road Users Will Be Targeted in May

May is “High Risk Road User” month in British Columbia. High risk road users, better known as aggressive driving, is one of the top three highway safety concerns along with impaired driving and the non-use of seatbelts. It’s a contributing factor in approximately one third of all collisions and two thirds of all traffic fatalities.

British Columbia Traffic Enforcement Officers will be out in force targeting high risk drivers in an attempt to educate the motoring public and reduce the number of serious collisions.

High Risk / Aggressive driving behaviors include;

• Speeding and excessive speeding
• Follow too closely (Tailgating)
• Unsafe lane change or weaving in and out of traffic
• Rolling through stop signs
  
• Fail to stop for yellow or red light
  
• Blocking intersections
  
• Fail to yield

These behaviors often lead to frustrated drivers, and could result in a serious injury/fatal collision or a road rage incident.

A few tips to reduce aggressive driving incidents;

• Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination
• Recognize that everyone makes mistakes
• Be courteous to other drivers
• When you do get angry create a distraction
• Count to 20
• Turn on the radio
• Monitor your thoughts
• Breath deeply, use breathing techniques to relax and regain control

Those who demonstrate these unacceptable behaviors know they do, and often make the choice to do so. Now is the time to make the choice to change. If you don’t, you will be targeted and you will receive a Violation Ticket. The choice is yours.

May has been identified as high risk road user month in an attempt to raise awareness, but officers will be targeting these menaces year round. If you witness aggressive driving behavior contact your local police agency and report the incident.