A police officer who responds to fatal vehicle collisions in B.C. is asking people to do their part to prevent tragedies.
"There are no secrets to this," says Cpl. Dave Noon with the Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) unit.
During 2024, officers responded to 75 fatal collisions in the Lower Mainland and 80 crashes that involved serious or life-altering injuries to people.
"Simply put, these incidents are more than numbers. Each one represents shattered lives, devastated families and immeasurable shock and grief,” he says.
The ICARS unit conducts forensic reconstruction of collisions that result in serious injury or death, from Pemberton to Boston Bar.
"As we enter into 2025, we ask drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to all be aware and considerate of the road safety laws that are in place to help reduce collisions in B.C.,” says Noon.
ICARS team members are expertly trained in the use of highly sophisticated equipment that helps them investigate the factors that caused a collision.
"These crashes also adversely impact first responders who attend traumatic scenes, notify families of a relative's death or are involved with the lengthy associated investigations,” says Noon.
He took time to thank all the first responders the team has worked with for their hard work and sacrifice.
"Wherever the new year may take you in our province, country or throughout the world, please travel with care and consideration,” says Noon.
Back in July 2024, the BC Coroners Service said there were 25 motor vehicle-related deaths between July 5 and July 15, prompting a warning from not only B.C.'s coroner but also highway patrol police.
Acting chief coroner John McNamee asked people in British Columbia to take extra care while driving.
Between July 5 and July 10, in B.C., according to the coroner.
BC Highway Patrol officers pleaded with drivers around the province to slow down. Police officers were "floored" by multiple excessive speeders.
Noon says the number of fatal collisions or serious collisions has been trending upward in the past five years.
"We can all play a part," he says.
