Richmond RCMP is urging drivers to slow down and stay alert as officers continue to see high‑risk driving behaviours contributing to serious collisions, including an increase in pedestrian‑involved incidents since December. Short daylight hours, rain, and fog continue to create challenging winter conditions for all road users.
Snapshot of January enforcement activity
In January, officers issued 1,040 traffic violation tickets, including:
- Speeding: 213
- Distracted driving: 159
- Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 16
- Vehicle-related infractions: 218
- Driver Licence infractions: 180
High‑risk behaviours remain a concern
Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) officers noted several dangerous driving patterns throughout January, including excessive speeding, distracted driving, and unsafe vehicle modifications, behaviours that increase collision risk.
Multiple drivers were stopped for travelling at double the posted speed limit, including on Westminster Highway, Highway 91 and No. 5 Road. In one case, two vehicles appeared to be racing before officers impounded both for seven days.
Police frequently encountered vehicles with illegal modifications including tinted windows, oversized tires, and missing mud flaps, which can impair driver visibility and create hazards by spraying water and debris, which can be especially problematic during wet winter months. Tinted windows reduce driver visibility, especially in low light and rain. This increases the risk to motorists and pedestrians.
In another incident, a load of unsecured PVC piping spilled across No. 5 Road from the back of a pickup truck, forcing officers to briefly block traffic while the driver cleared the roadway and re‑secured the cargo, before receiving a ticket for operating a non-commercial vehicle with insecure cargo.
Increase in pedestrian‑involved collisions
Richmond RCMP is reminding drivers and pedestrians to take extra care. Officers continue to respond to pedestrian‑involved collisions, a trend that typically increases this time of year.
“Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving to the conditions and expect the unexpected, especially when visibility is poor,” said Cpl. Niels Hermes, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “While we continue to target high-risk driving behaviour through enforcement, we also remind pedestrians to use marked intersections or crosswalks, increase their visibility with reflective clothing or lights, and avoid assuming drivers have seen them before stepping into the roadway.”
Winter driving & impaired driving reminders
Richmond RCMP, in partnership with BC Highway Patrol, continues the winter impaired‑driving campaign. Drivers can expect increased sobriety checks and Mandatory Alcohol Screening. Police remind motorists to:
- Clear snow and ice from vehicles
- Use winter‑rated (M+S or snowflake) tires
- Slow down and allow extra stopping distance
- Keep headlights clean for maximum visibility
Responsibilities at collision scenes
Police are reminding the public that anyone involved in, or witnessing, a serious collision has a duty to remain on scene. Leaving can result in penalties under both the Motor Vehicle Act and Criminal Code. Remaining at the scene helps ensure accurate reporting, supports injured people, and allows investigators to gather timely information.
High‑collision areas under increased patrol
Based on ongoing collision data and analysis, officers continue to focus enforcement this month on:
- Westminster Highway near Knight Street
- Westminster Highway near No. 3 Road
- Granville Avenue between No. 1 and No. 3 roads
Upcoming child car seat clinic on February 28
Richmond RCMP, Richmond Fire‑Rescue, ICBC and BCAA will host a free car seat safety clinic on Saturday, February 28, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brighouse Fire Hall No. 1, 6960 Gilbert Road. Appointments can be booked by calling 604‑207‑4761. A spokesperson will be available for media between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The RSU thanks the Richmond community for their ongoing cooperation and reminds everyone to drive with care. By staying committed to safe driving practices, we can reduce collisions and support safer roads for all users.
