The holiday rush can be hectic, but a provincial agency is reminding drivers there’s no need to be reckless.

As National Safe Driving Week begins on December 1, Road Safety at Work (RSAW) is highlighting the increased risks of driving during the holidays.

“Last December, 3,244 accidents were reported to ICBC on Vancouver Island,” RSAW said in a press release.

Victoria reported the highest number of accidents on the island in December 2023, at 654 in total, 24 percent more than second-largest city Nanaimo.

Other Greater Victoria communities have not escaped unscathed, with 309 accidents reported last December in Saanich, 178 in Langford, 57 in Central Saanich, 56 in Sooke, 54 in Sidney, 47 in Colwood, 43 in Oak Bay, 41 in Esquimalt, 33 in View Royal and 29 in North Saanich. This equates to more than 48 crashes per day on the streets of Greater Victoria in December 2023. Across British Columbia, almost 800 crashes were reported per day in December.

Although the risk may be greater, RSAW says the key to staying safe is simply to slow down. “Rushing to your destination while driving may seem like a way to save time when you have a lot to do, but it significantly increases the risk of an accident,” said Trace Acres, workplace safety program director.

“Slowing down and allowing yourself more time is one of the best ways to ensure you and your loved ones travel safely this holiday season.”

RSAW shared several other tips for staying safe this season; namely, avoid driving in bad conditions, leave more space between yourself and other vehicles, use winter tires if there is a little snow, keep your eyes on the road and no phone.

“We all share a responsibility to make British Columbia’s roads safer this holiday season,” says Acres. “Our friends and family want us to be home to celebrate with them. »