Driving in British Columbia has become increasingly dangerous in recent years, a trend that is both alarming and deeply concerning for all road users. Once known for its scenic drives and generally courteous drivers, the province is now grappling with a growing crisis on its roads, fuelled by excessive speeding, aggressive driving, and impaired driving. These reckless behaviours have become more commonplace and, disturbingly, more normalized. Every day, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians face a gauntlet of hazards that make even short commutes unpredictable and risky. According to ICBC and police reports, traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries have seen an uptick, particularly in urban centres and high-speed corridors like the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Highway 1, and the Coquihalla. Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of collisions, with many drivers frequently exceeding posted speed limits by 20 to 40 km/h or more. This disregard for safe driving speeds significantly reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance, and escalates the severity of crashes when they occur.
Compounding the issue is a marked rise in aggressive driving—tailgating, weaving through traffic, road rage incidents, and failure to yield. Many drivers seem to treat public roads like racetracks, displaying a lack of patience and a sense of entitlement that undermines the shared responsibility of road safety. In many instances, aggressive behaviour goes unchecked, creating a hostile driving environment that pressures even cautious drivers into risky situations. Such conduct erodes the trust and predictability that are essential for road safety. For instance, when drivers ignore posted speed limits, pass on shoulders, or run red lights, they put countless lives at risk—not only their own but also those of passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers who are following the rules.
Perhaps most troubling is the persistence of impaired driving, which despite decades of public education campaigns, continues to claim lives. Whether due to alcohol, drugs (including cannabis), or even fatigue and prescription medication, impairment remains a significant factor in many fatal collisions across the province. The tragic reality is that every impaired driving incident is preventable. Yet, countless British Columbians still make the decision to get behind the wheel while unfit to drive, jeopardizing the lives of everyone around them. The broader societal cost is staggering—not just in terms of fatalities and injuries, but also the emotional and financial toll on families, first responders, and the healthcare system.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture: in some jurisdictions across B.C., traffic violations have surged, and local law enforcement is struggling to keep pace with the volume of incidents. Automated enforcement tools such as red-light and speed cameras have been deployed in select areas, but critics argue that they are insufficient in number or poorly located. Meanwhile, community members and advocacy groups are calling for stronger enforcement, stricter penalties, and more investment in public awareness campaigns aimed at curbing dangerous behaviours on the road.
The truth is stark—our roads are not as safe as they once were, and unless swift and effective action is taken, the situation will only deteriorate. Driving should not be a daily gamble, nor should it be a source of fear for families, commuters, or commercial operators. Road safety must become a renewed priority at both the individual and governmental levels. It’s time to have a broader conversation about how we got here—and what we’re going to do about it. Are the current laws strong enough? Are the penalties appropriate? Is enforcement effective? And perhaps most importantly, what role does the average driver play in turning this tide?
We invite all members of the public to share their perspective. Your voice matters in shaping the future of road safety in British Columbia.