BC Highway Patrol awareness campaign issues 1,171 tickets in the Kootenays
Published 11:09 am Friday, November 7, 2025
Trevor Crawley
BC Highway Patrol issued 1,171 speeding tickets in October in the Kootenay region as part of an awareness campaign reminding people to drive to conditions and be mindful of pedestrian safety.
Provincially, over 8,000 tickets were issued in the north, central and south coast regions as well as Vancouver Island.
“As drivers we are guilty of thinking that we are exceptional. We make excuses about why the rules should not apply to us,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “But once you hit another human being, or an animal, or badly injure yourself, it’s too late to be smarter or act better.”
Police remind drivers that posted speed limits are created for ideal, dry, clear, daytime conditions. If traffic is heavy, weather is poor, or it’s dark, drivers have an obligation to slow down.
With the increased hazard of winter driving conditions, police say it is extremely important to be sober, alert, and undistracted.
Pedestrians and other vulnerable road users are encouraged to be alert and put their phones away, wear brighter clothing with reflective piping, and obey traffic lights.
“None of us are special drivers or invulnerable pedestrians,” said Cpl. McLaughlin. “The weather has turned now and it’s dark most of the time. Slow down and avoid getting a ticket or something worse. Help us create a safer and better experience on our roads.”
