The goal of the BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) is to reduce the social and economic burden of injury in BC. The Unit is part of the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and supports the development of policies and programs through research, surveillance, and the translation of evidence and knowledge for researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and the public.
The Leading Cause of Injury in BC
According to the BCIRPU "motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of unintentional injury death across all ages in BC." Each day, over 760 traffic crashes happen in BC, with about 150 being serious or fatal.
The majority of motor vehicle collisions involve injury to occupants, yet many motor vehicle-related injuries can occur among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs or medications) and distracted driving (ex. Cell phone use) are risk factors for motor vehicle collisions."
The Scope of the Problem
The scope of the problem for four different types of road user is explained. Examples of research and prevention strategies to identify and counter the problem are shared:
Insights
Injury Insights are focus documents that provide a more in depth treatment of the listed subjects:
- Motorcycle Injuries in British Columbia (May 2020)
- Young Drivers: A Population at Risk (May 2019, updated from July 2016)
- Pedestrian Injuries from Motor Vehicle Crashes in BC (May 2017)
- Road Safety Among Vulnerable Road Users (November 2014)
- Cycling Injuries in Children (June 2011)
Grant Program
The BCIRPU administers the British Columbia Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program to support community-led initiatives.
A list of past grants covering the entire province can be browsed for inspiration. What is missing here is information on the outcome of the use of the grants. You are left to contact the recipient and ask.
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