ICBC’s tips for summer road trips

Summer: long weekends, longer days, BBQs and road trips. They all go hand-in-hand.

ICBC has issued a tip list for safe summer road trips. The provincial insurer says that in British Columbia, in July and August, over the years 2005 to 2009, there is an average of 1,232 crashes and 361 injured victims on B.C. roads every weekend.

To plan a safer summer road trip, ICBC says:

No. 1 – Be realistic: Plan ahead and be realistic about travel times. Allow extra time for rest breaks and possible delays, especially over a weekend where there may be increased traffic volume. Check for road and weather conditions before setting out.

No. 2 – Check, check, check: Long road trips can be tiring for drivers and passengers but also on your vehicle, so make sure it’s up to the drive. Remember to check your engine oil, washer fluid, lights and inspect your vehicle tires, including the spare, to make sure they are in good condition and properly inflated.

If you’ll be towing a recreational trailer, make sure you do a thorough pre-trip check before you hit the road. Drive to an empty parking lot to practice manoeuvring your vehicle while towing a trailer.

No. 3 – Secure it: Make sure you properly secure all items inside and on your vehicle, like bicycles and items on your roof rack. During rest breaks, take a few moments to check that your cargo is still properly secured.

No. 4 – Drive smart: Remember that although you may not encounter a lot of traffic along highways, it’s important to stay within the posted speed limit and always maintain a safe travelling distance – at least three seconds on high-speed roads or if you’re behind a motorcycle. You might think that by speeding, you’re cutting down on your travel time but what you’re really doing is decreasing your reaction time. The weight of your vehicle (especially with extra cargo), will also impact your ability to stop. Remember that wildlife is also more common along highways.

No. 5 - Are you covered? If you’ll be renting a vehicle this summer, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. You might be surprised to learn that you’re already covered by your auto insurance company so check with them first. If not, shop around for the best rate and coverage for your needs.