As speed-related crashes can double during the winter season officials reminded drivers to slow down Thursday to keep the numbers down.

In the last five years, an average of 289 people in B.C. have been injured or killed in crashes each December, according to ICBC. The Crown insurer has several tips for the public, including getting good winter tires, new wipers, keeping your distance to the next car, and checking brakes.

“Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention … especially in fall and winter weather,” said ICBC’s road safety director Fiona Temple.

“When rain and snow hit, it can seriously reduce your visibility and make stopping on road surfaces more difficult.”

Transportation Minister Mary Polak also announced the province had recently installed an additional 18 highway webcams for viewing on DriveBC.ca, a government website with regularly updated road conditions.

Another 30 cameras will be installed this winter, bringing the total number to 250.

Police are expected to conduct visible patrols and checkpoints to deter speeding. For cars travelling at 60 km/h, ICBC said the average stopping distance in wet conditions is 55 metres.

At 100 km/h, the distance jumps to 130 metres.