BC Collision Statistics & Traffic Injury Estimates (2026)

collision counter imageTraffic safety remains a critical public health and economic challenge across British Columbia. The rolling model below provides a live, data-driven projection of cumulative road safety outcomes and transport incidents across the province since January 1, 2026:

The 100-Foot Reverse Challenge: Why Backing Up Straight is Harder Than It Looks

an illustration showing a left hand properly positioned on the steering wheel when the driver is backing upMany of us have been driving for decades. We’ve mastered parallel parking, survived travelling during winter storms, and navigated heavy highway traffic. But let me ask you a quick question: when was the last time you had to back up in a perfectly straight line for 100 feet?

Blinding LED Bike Lights: A Traffic Safety Q&A

Image of a man riding a bicycle with a basket on the front and a child in a carrier behind him.Question: I grew up in the Netherlands where riding a bike everywhere is normal. I moved to Vancouver and have noticed that there is not much safety common sense with cyclists. My main concern is their "safety" LED lights! They shine them upwards, blinding pedestrians and drivers along the way.

Rear-End Collisions and Contributory Negligence: What Counts as a Safe Stopping Distance?

BC Courts Coat of Arms imageWhen waiting at a red light, how much space should you leave between your vehicle and the car ahead? A common rule of thumb is to ensure you can see the rear tires of the leading vehicle touching the pavement. However, when a multi-vehicle chain-reaction accident occurs, failing to leave a wide gap does not automatically make you legally liable for the damage.

A Social Contract for Road Users: What BC Can Learn from German Traffic Law

image of a rule bookWhy would a website that specializes in road safety and traffic law in British Columbia refer to the German Road Traffic Regulations? The German regulations start with what amounts to a social contract in contrast to our Motor Vehicle Act which only contains rules that people must obey. It sets a core philosophy, framing road use as a shared responsibility for everyone and then creates a framework to guide it.

Pets and Air Bags: The Cost and Danger of Obstructed Driving

A small dog sitting on a driver's lap in the front seat, looking out the driver's side window of a moving vehicleOur lap dog loves to go for car rides! She's generous too because you are more than welcome to sit underneath her in the right front seat. The trouble is, this is definitely not a good place for pets to ride in the car today.

Case Law: Leaving a Parking Space and Shared Fault

BC Courts Coat of Arms imageIf you are parallel parked on a busy British Columbia street and get boxed in by vehicles parking too close to your bumpers, pulling out safely can feel like an impossible task. However, a tight parking space does not excuse a driver from their statutory duties.

B.C. Speeding Ticket Law: Understanding Laser Accuracy and Appeals

BC Courts Coat of ArmsMy highway patrol unit was issued its first laser speed measuring device back in the early 1990s. It quickly became a popular enforcement tool due to its precision in targeting specific vehicles and measuring speed accurately. Just like radar before it, laser technology required time for case law to mature in the courtroom.

The Wild West of E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Why Rule Abuse Risks Safety for Everyone

heavy high powered ebike that is often used to abuse the rulesThe friction on British Columbia roads, sidewalks, and multi-use pathways is increasing. The influx of website submissions reveals frustration from pedestrians, traditional cyclists, and drivers alike. This is a widespread behavioural problem: a growing wave of rule abuse, reckless operation, and a complete disregard for the shared rules of the road.

Can a Police Officer Give You a Ticket If They Didn’t See the Incident?

Q&A ImageA common belief among drivers in British Columbia is that a police officer must personally witness a traffic violation to issue a ticket. However, this is legally incorrect. An officer may issue a traffic ticket based entirely on third-party witness accounts, statements from drivers, and physical scene evidence.