I’ve seen the improvements over the years that have made travelling the highway much safer, although there is much more that could be done in the interest of public safety.
Some of the main concerns I have are speeding (specifically motorcycles), lack of lighting, narrow sections with no medians separating oncoming traffic, and snow/ice clearing in the winter months.
Excessive speeding, particularly from motorcyclists, needs to be addressed and stopped. There have been too many deaths because of this.
Enforcement needs to be stepped up, and the public made aware that riding your motorcycle above 120km/h is unacceptable and extremely dangerous. It puts other motorists’ lives at risk. Having large groups riding at excessive speeds weaving in and out of traffic can scare other motorists and can cause accidents and deaths.
Lighting needs to be improved massively along the entire stretch from Whistler to Vancouver. For how much the highway is travelled, there are way too many dark sections with no lighting, which is very dangerous at night.
The highway is known for its winding roads, and many of these sections are unlit and also very narrow with no divider. Having proper lighting would help illuminate other vehicles, motorists that are pulled over, and wildlife and obstacles such as fallen rocks and vegetation. Light pollution does not matter when it comes to human lives.
There are many areas of the highway that are extremely narrow with no divider between opposite lanes. In many sections, lanes could be widened, and dividers — concrete or cable — installed to add a buffer between vehicles, other than just two lines of paint. There have been countless head-on collisions due to vehicles accidentally crossing into the opposite lane.
In terms of winter maintenance, Miller Capilano does a great job. But increasing plowing and de-icing would be huge and help keep the highway safer during wintery conditions.
All in all, I hope my thoughts reach those who make decisions on improvements. As someone who travels the highways nearly every day, I want to make sure it is the safest it can be, not only for myself but for everyone else. For how travelled the highway is, and the fact it is the main artery to a world-renowned ski resort, this highway is lacking in many aspects related to safety. Improvements are needed and should be undertaken as soon as possible.
Sage Watson
Squamish
