19 crash fatalities in B.C. over past week prompts safety warning

A recent string of fatal collisions on roads and highways in British Columbia has prompted the B.C. Coroners Service to remind motorists to drive carefully. 

Nineteen accidental motor-vehicle-related deaths were reported to the coroner from July 5-10. They included a family of three and four family members in two separate incidents.

"We extend our condolences to all affected by these tragedies. We know there are far-reaching impacts, as family and friends across the province, and beyond, mourn the loss of their loved ones," said acting chief coroner John McNamee in a statement.

Statistics show the risk of fatal crashes is much greater in July, August and September, said McNamee.

Out of 331 motor-vehicle incident deaths last year, 45 happened in July, 32 in August and 33 in September, according to Coroners Service data.

Infant among fatalities 

Among the fatalities, four members of the same family were killed after a collision on Highway 3 in the southern Interior on Wednesday.

On Thursday, two others were killed following a crash on Highway 1 near Boston Bar.

LISTEN | A highway patrol officer on how to stay safe on the roads: 

On The Coast6:59Keeping safe on B.C. highways this summer

Insp. Chad Badry with the B.C. Highway Patrol speaks with host Gloria Macarenko about safety tips and best practices on B.C. highways amidst a string of fatal crashes on highways and roads around the province, just in the last week.

Four people were killed on July 5 in a crash on Highway 6 in the West Kootenay; a family of three, including an infant, died in Agassiz on the Lougheed Highway on Tuesday morning; and another three people died when their vehicle went over an embankment in Wilmer, north of Invermere, on Tuesday night.

Other fatal crashes include a motorcyclist who died on Golden Ears Way near the Lougheed Highway after losing control of their vehicle this past Wednesday night and a woman who died after being ejected from her vehicle on Highway 99 in south Surrey Thursday morning. 

The coroners' service also said it is investigating a death following a single-vehicle crash in Mission that was reported on Monday, but would not give further details.

B.C. Highway Patrol said it's stepping up enforcement as investigations into the deaths remain ongoing. 

The B.C. Coroners Service is encouraging drivers to reduce the risk of a collision by refraining from drugs and alcohol, obeying posted speed limits and driving to road conditions.