Parking Lot collisions

Richmond

2024-05-23 09:23 PDT

Following increase in reports, Richmond RCMP educating public on how to avoid parking lot collisions and what to do if you are involved in one.

We are seeing an increase in calls for service for low speed parking lot collisions due to an apparent gap in knowledge around requirements for drivers involved in collisions, says Sargent Eric Baskette, NCO-in-Charge of Richmond RCMP Road Safety Units, In the vast majority of cases police attendance could have been avoided if drivers simply exchanged their drivers licence and vehicle insurance information which is a requirement under the Motor Vehicle Act.

The requirements for drivers involved in a collision Under Section 68 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act include;

• Remain at or immediately return to the scene of a collision;
• Render all reasonable assistance.

In addition, the driver must produce in writing to any other driver involved in the collision and to anyone sustaining injury and, on request, to a witness;

• The name and address of the driver, operator or other person in charge of the vehicle;
• The name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle;
• The licence number of the vehicle, and;
• Particulars of the motor vehicle liability insurance card or financial responsibility card.

If the collision involves an unoccupied vehicle, the driver must:

• Locate and notify in writing the person in charge of or the owner of the unattended vehicle and provide them with the same information stated above.

To learn more information about your requirements under the BC Motor Vehicle Act visit the BC Government website.

In BC there are on average 234 parking lot crashes every day. The majority of which could have easily been avoided. Some safety tips include:

• When driving in parking lots pay extra attention, slow down and back into parking spots;
• Backing into a parking spot provides a greater field of vision for you to see other vehicles and pedestrians when exiting a stall;
• Remember when entering or exiting the parking lot, to watch out for pedestrians on sidewalks and cyclists in bike lanes;
• Obey all posted signs. Follow the rules of the road and all traffic sign in parking lots;
• Don’t rely on a back-up camera. Use your mirrors and shoulder check to confirm and monitor your surroundings.

For more tips on how to avoid parking lot collisions visit icbc.com.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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