Image: An overturned car that was involved in a single vehicle crash near Kelowna this week. Luckily no one was seriously injured in the crash. / RCMP supplied

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Motor Vehicle Safety

Spike in fatal crashes leads to BC Coroners Service warning

Jul 12, 2024 | 12:13 PM

CHILLIWACK — The last week has been marked by a tragic surge in fatal motor vehicle incidents on highways throughout British Columbia. Between Friday, July 5, and Wednesday, July 10, the BC Coroners Service (BCCS) reported 19 accidental motor-vehicle-related deaths.

The reported collisions include both single-vehicle incidents and multi-vehicle crashes. In response to these tragedies. The BCCS urges residents and visitors to exercise extra caution while planning road trips.

John McNamee, the acting Chief Coroner says the BCCS has seen the impacts of tragedies that result in the loss of loved ones. “While so many of us look forward to summer trips, unfortunately, statistics show the risk of deadly motor-vehicle crashes is much greater in July, August, and September.”

According to the latest data from the Coroners Service, there were 331 motor-vehicle incident deaths in B.C. in 2023. Of those, 45 occurred in July, 32 in August, and 33 in September. Between 2013 and 2023, more than a quarter occurred in the Fraser Health region.

The BCCS stressed the importance of safety measures to reduce roadway risks. Driver should plan ahead, know their routes, allow for possible delays, wear seatbelts, obey speed limits, and avoid distracted driving. It says it’s crucial to avoid consuming alcohol or drugs, which were factors in 33% of MVI deaths from 2013-2021.

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Investigations into this week’s collisions are ongoing, and no further details will be shared until they are completed.