Mounties warning drivers as long weekend kicks off

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Slow down, buckle up and leave the liquor at home.  As thousands of Lower Mainlanders escape the city this long weekend, RCMP are warning they’ll be watching the roads.

As you head east on Highway 1 through the Valley it looks like a parking lot, as the early birds get a head start on the long weekend road trip.

Langley RCMP Corporal Brian Largy says police will be catching speeders and people not wearing their seatbelts.  “Above all things, is don’t drink and drive.  Have a safe weekend and enjoy the weekend but you want to get there safely, you want to get home safely.”

He explains there’s been a 14 per cent increase in the number of motorcycle crash fatalities over the last two years.  “I guess because there’s more on the road, there’s a greater likelihood of having an incident.  We want people to be aware that motorcycles are there and in turn the motorcycles to ride safely.”

Fatal crashes typically increase on long weekends, Largy adds it’s important not to be safe only on the roads on the water as well.  Drinking and boating won’t be tolerated either.

Before you hit the road, BCAA’s Trace Acres says drivers should check for issues before planning a road trip — especially if you’re driving an RV or camper.  “Drive them around a little bit first of all, because you want to be able to see whether or not you’re going to run into any problems when you’re out on the highway.  It’s a lot easier to deal with it in town than up in the middle of the Coquihalla Highway.”

Most calls BCAA receives in the summer relate to fluid and battery problems.  Acres suggests getting a thorough maintenance check by a trusted mechanic and take breaks every 90 minutes during long trips.

Of course, News1130 will keep an eye on ferry waits, border line-ups and road conditions for you with traffic and weather together every 10 minutes on the ones.

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