Drivers list New Year road resolutions: ICBC survey

Two-thirds of BC drivers are interested in new road safety goals this year, and the most common goal among them is to be more calm on the road.

That according to an ICBC survey, which found 42 per cent of those considering a New Year’s resolution for the road would like to be more patient with drivers they share the road with.

More than a third would like to be less stressed and less rushed while behind the wheel, but the vast majority said it’s other drivers who should set some new goals.

The online survey, conducted by the Angus Reid Forum, heard from 701 BC drivers.

While 66% of them said they were at least a little interested in a resolution for themselves, three-quarters of them said BC roads would be much safer if other drivers would focus and show more courtesy.

Suggestions for other drivers ranged, but distracted driving was the most common answer. Nearly half of the respondents said other drivers should either stay focused at all times or put their devices away.

Another 15% said drivers should slow down others listed various defensive driving practices, like giving space for others or using signals.

“Driving is part of everyday life for many of us, and these resolutions show that B.C. drivers are serious about making it safer and less stressful,” ICBC’s road safety manager Kathleen Nadalin said in a news release. “Simple actions like putting your phone away or having more patience can go a long way toward improving safety for everyone.”