There are just a few weeks left of summer, and glorious beach-bumming weather has finally arrived.
What follows naturally is the mass exodus to all surrounding beaches, leading to one busy thoroughfare — the Trans Canada Highway.
Emergency crews were kept busy all through the week responding to traffic accidents around the Fraser Valley. From a motorcycle vs. truck and camper collision at Popkum, to a six car pile-up on the Mission bridge, it's been a dangerous few days on the road.
No doubt, that increase in accidents directly correlates to the increase in motorists dashing to the nearest water's edge, forest hideaway or deluxe resort.
This is going to mean, above all, extra vigilance when exercising your right to use your drivers license through the rest of these summer days.
It means keeping your eyes open for motorcycles and truck drivers.
It means staying focused on the road, and giving room to other drivers who may not be as focused.
It means putting down the phone, and moving over and slowing down for emergency vehicles.
It means remembering the entire set of road rules that you studied so furiously before the government handed you your license.
It means staying put if you've been drinking, or planning ahead for a safe drive home.
It's worthy to note that people are breaking these rules all the time. And this is how many of these 'accidents' happen. Don't be one of these people, and remember that some of those you're sharing the road with may be drinking, may be talking on cell phones, may be extremely tired or have crying babies in the car, or may be unfamiliar with the road. Others may be driving down a highway for the first time, and unaccustomed to sharing the road with big rigs and motorcycles.
And then sometimes, accidents happen despite our best defensive driving habits.
Do your best. Keep your guard.
And most of all, arrive alive.
- Agassiz-Harrison-Hope Observer