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Old 07-17-2005, 09:39 PM   #16
Buzzard
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I've driven most of the major highways in BC many times and feel safe, although I believe change is needed on #1. It's true, the majority of accidents are caused by careless driving. But I believe a lot of the carelessness is a result of impatient drivers. It's not unusual at all to be stuck behind a vehicle moving 60 kmh for many miles because of a lack of passing opportunity. It's then when people make dangerous driving decisions. I've seen it dozens of times, and a lot of very close calls. Although not bothered by it, the highway really should be twinned from Kamloops east for the amount of trucks and tourists that use it. It is a major commercial route, not just a scenic goat trail anymore, and should really be upgraded as such. Short stretches at a time, if that's only what economics allow, but it needs to be started sooner than later.

Although the Coquihalla for the most part was built as a brand new highway, it is a great example of what a mountain highway can be, without looking to European models. It's a dream to drive on in spite of the obstacles encountered during it's construction.

Although the Cariboo needs a makeover as well, it's fairly obvious it was a politically motivated decision to do that work first.

As far as dangerous highways go in BC, I'd say between Prince George and Prince Rupert takes the cake. One 60 mile stretch in particular between PG and Vanderhoof especially. For the amount of traffic, there has got to be at least as many, if not more fatalities there than anywhere in the province. Ironically, it's a relatively flat (rolling) section of road. Deadly combination of moose, drunks, weather, and poor drivers seem to be the problem.
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