New traffic strategy saving lives in B.C.

British Columbia police say their new computer system is reducing serious injuries and deaths by telling them when and where traffic infractions are most likely to occur.

For the past few years, officers have focused more on impaired drivers and seatbelt infractions than on speeding.

The result has been a decrease in serious injuries by about 30 per cent and a 10 per cent drop in fatalities resulting from collisions since 2002.

Insp. Norm Gaumont, head of the force's traffic division, said that the targeted enforcement, called 2010 Traffic Vision, has saved 50 lives outside the Lower Mainland.

Serious injury claims have dropped by more than $200 million, he said.

A new computer program is also helping to curb the number of deaths and injuries, since traffic officers are now able to collect and analyse data about collisions to identify dangerous sites and then step up patrols in those areas.

The goal of the strategy is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries 30 per cent by 2010.

Police are now expanding the program to target commercial truckers who may be cheating on maintenance, working too many hours or fudging their log books.

Fatigue is one of the main factors behind commercial truck crashes.

"If I'm tired, I go to bed," said commercial trucker Bud London, who was pulled over by police because his eyes were red and his reactions slow. "I don't take any pills or anything to keep me awake. Not enough coffee yet this morning, that's all."