Injury-related accidents are on the rise in Delta.
According to statistics released at the most recent meeting of the Delta police board, there have been 296 injury-related motor vehicle accidents in Delta through the first nine months of this year compared to 265 over the same time period last year — an increase of 12 per cent.
In September alone, there were 47 crashes that resulted in injuries.
Fatal accidents are also slightly higher with five so far this year compared to four at this time last year.
Delta police public affairs coordinator Sharlene Brooks said despite the department’s road safety efforts, the challenge continues to be changing driver behaviour.
“There could be a number of contributing factors, not the least of which is weather, distraction, speeding and/or impairment (alcohol/drugs),” said Brooks. “We are focusing on enforcement, education and awareness.”
That education and awareness includes the DPD traffic and patrol sections conducting enforcement projects throughout Delta. Officers are also incorporating the community police stations whose focus is to raise awareness and educate the public through Speed Watch campaigns. Police also work in partnership with ICBC on a number of initiatives.
The fact remains it is still incumbent on the motoring public to travel the roads in a safe manner.
“It is difficult to determine what the specific reason(s) for the increase in the collisions are,” added Brooks. “There may also be an increase in the volume of vehicles on the roadway raising the potential for collisions.
“We continue to work to reduce the number of collisions, but again, drivers need to make the conscious decision to change their behaviour and work with police to make the roads safer by reporting erratic or distracted drivers.”
