NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010TRAN0047-000888 July 29, 2010

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

 

A HOT B.C. DAY WEEKEND – KEEP COOL BEHIND THE WHEEL

 

VICTORIA – With the B.C. day long weekend upon us and most of the province tinder-dry, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is encouraging drivers to make sure all cautionary steps are taken to avoid driver-caused fires, said Minister Shirley Bond.

 

“The majority of forest fires have been human-caused,” said Bond. “This B.C. Day long weekend, I encourage drivers to take some simple precautions to ensure that they arrive safely at their destinations and avoid contributing to the wildfire situation we are facing in British Columbia.”

 

·         Do not throw cigarettes out the window or otherwise be careless when smoking, both during your trip and in roadside rest areas.

·         Check fuel lines for cracks, splits, softness and deterioration.

·         Keep engine compartments clean. An oil-soaked engine is a fuel source looking for a fire.

·         Buy a fire extinguisher and carry it mounted where you can get to it quickly.

·         Improper installation of aftermarket electronics, like stereos, can lead to fires.

·         Where possible avoid driving or parking vehicles in tall, dry grass.

·         Avoid handling fuels in grassy or forested areas, and douse any fuel spills with water or sands.

·         Monitor the temperature of your vehicle. Pull over and let it cool when necessary and make sure it is topped up with coolant.

 

Motorists can report wildfires by calling *5555. B.C. forest fire information, including updates on current campfire and burning bans, can be found at http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca/.

 

“Over B.C. Day long weekends, there are, on average, over 17 hundred crashes, over 500 injuries and three deaths on B.C. roadways,” said Minister Bond. “We all play a role in making B.C. roads safer.” 

 

Smart driving tips for the B.C. Day long weekend include:

 

·         Plan ahead if your activities are going to involve alcohol, arrange for a safe way home.

·         Be realistic about your travel times and check the road situation before you leave.

·         Check http://www.drivebc.com/ for possible highway closures before heading out.

·         Slow down and keep your distance, and always follow the posted speed limits in construction and playground zones.

·         Buckle up: If you do not wear your seatbelt, you are 25 times more likely to be killed in a crash if ejected from the vehicle.

 

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Media Contact:

Jeff Knight Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure  250 356-7707

 

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