More road training could curb spiking crash numbers in B.C.: expert

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – In an effort to address the rising number of road crashes in the province, ICBC appears to be relying on its public awareness campaigns. But a long-time driving instructor suggests a greater focus on road training would be a more effective solution.

There were roughly 350,000 crashes across B.C. last year, up 25 per cent from 2014. ICBC accompanied the release of those numbers by announcing a new 20-question online driving quiz — part of $40 million in annual spending on road safety-related projects and public awareness campaigns.

Steve Wallace, CEO of Vancouver Island-based Wallace Driving School says such campaigns “wear off” after a while.

“ICBC’s been doing that for a number of decades, and here we sit with this 25 per cent increase… it’s time they started to ride a horse. I think the one they’re on is dead,” he says.

Wallace says data from the province’s graduated licensing program has shown road training and testing can reduce crashes and claims. Road testing is a mandatory part of that program, as it is for many seniors over the age of 80, those with debilitating cognitive or physical disabilities, and those with exceptionally poor driving histories.

While Wallace says regular road testing makes for better drivers, he stops short of suggesting it be made mandatory for everyone.

“There’s no jurisdiction in North America that does it, although it’s been suggested. The government generally has neither the capacity nor the inclination to do it.”

Instead, he’s calling on the province to incentivize those who voluntarily undergo road training refreshers from accredited driving schools with insurance discounts.

ICBC has already promised to make changes ensuring higher-risk drivers pay more while lower-risk drivers pay less.

Currently, 80 per cent of BC drivers enjoy the highest safe driving discount, which Wallace says can’t possibly reflect the number of perfect driving records out there.