A new study from Simon Fraser University suggests traffic-related deaths in B.C. could be cut in half.
Health scientist Meghan Winters has compared B.C.’s rate to that of other countries, and says this province could eliminate more than 200 traffic deaths per year.
She says the fact that some northern European countries have so few traffic deaths suggests B.C. can do more.
“Some of those probably have to do with speed, especially reducing speeds, and other strategies that can be taken in terms of looking at the more vulnerable road users – pedestrian and cyclists – to ensure that there’s separation between the vulnerable road users and motor vehicles.”
Winters’ research also finds that taking the bus carries 20 times less risk than other common modes of transportation, while motorcycles carry 25 times more risk.
She also calls for more research on travel behaviour in Canada, such as a national trip diary, to help prevent the fatalities.
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