Submitted by Robson Valley RCMP
In an effort to better keep the community informed the Robson Valley Regional RCMP will be providing weekly press releases to the local papers. The list is not inclusive of all calls of service the local RCMP detachments receive, but provides a cross section of what is happening in the Robson Valley.
On November 12 Valemount RCMP responded to a report of a two vehicle collision 22 km north of Blue River. The matter is still under investigation, but preliminary evidence at the scene indicates that the south bound car crossed the center line on a sweeping right curve striking a 5-ton commercial vehicle. The driver of the car, a 19-year-old Hinton woman, was killed on impact. The driver of the commercial vehicle was transported to the Valemount Medical Clinic by BC Ambulance Service, treated for shock and later released.
On November 12 Valemount RCMP received a report of a single vehicle collision 20 km north of Blue River. Valemount RCMP members were unable to attend the scene as a result of another two-vehicle fatal collision blocking Highway 5. Clearwater RCMP attended to assist and located the vehicle which had lost control on a curve and exited the roadway striking a power pole. The driver, a 22 year old Surrey male, was uninjured in the crash. BC Hydro later attended to repair the damaged pole.
On November 12, Valemount RCMP attended a single vehicle collision 25 km north of Blue River. A north bound van had lost control on the bridge deck and struck the cement posts and then rolled down a 30-foot embankment, hitting a power pole. Both occupants, who were wearing their seatbelts, suffered minor injuries. BC Hydro attended and repaired the power lines.
On November 12, Valemount RCMP attended a single vehicle collision 22 km north of Blue River. A south bound van had lost control as it encountered and tried to brake for another collision. The van rolled in the ditch. The driver, who was wearing his seatbelt, was uninjured in the crash.
On November 13, McBride RCMP attended a disturbance at a residence that was sparked by a child custody issue. After police attended the parties separated peacefully and were instructed to seek legal counsel for their issues.
On November 13, McBride RCMP responded to a disturbance at a residence. A 24-year-old McBride male was intoxicated and being verbally abusive to family members. Police arrived and the intoxicated male was arrested for being drunk and breaching the peace. He was lodged in cells until sober and then released in the morning.
On November 14, Valemount RCMP responded to a report of a male refusing to leave a local hotel. The male was somewhat confrontational with police, but the responding officers were able to de-escalate the situation and the male was transported back to his own hotel without incident.
On November 14, Valemount RCMP attended a single vehicle collision 30 km north of Blue River. A pick-up truck lost control and rolled after it had been witnessed driving erratically south bound. The driver, a 33-year-old Kelowna male, was transported to the Valemount Medical Clinic and was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Sufficient grounds existed to pursue impaired driving charges against the male and criminal charges are pending.
On November 14, McBride RCMP stopped a vehicle for speed. The driver, a 23-year-old Prince George male, was identified as being a prohibited driver. He was issued a violation ticket for no drivers licence and is facing charges of driving while prohibited under the Motor Vehicle Act.
On November 15, Valemount RCMP responded a report of fireworks being set off in a residential area around 8:30 pm. Upon attendance the fireworks had stopped. Police would like to advise the public that although Valemount does not have a specific bylaw in town banning fireworks, depending on the circumstances surrounding their use, people setting them off could face charges under the municipal noise bylaw or under the Criminal Code for Mischief.
On November 15, McBride RCMP responded to a single vehicle tractor trailer collision at the Slim Creek Bridge. The west bound unit lost traction on the bridge deck and spun out striking the cement posts. Neither the driver nor passenger was injured in the collision.
On November 16, Valemount RCMP attended a single vehicle collision on Highway 5 20 km north of Blue River. A tractor trailer unit was south bound when it exited the roadway left while entering a curve. The driver, a 59-year-old Aldergrove male, was deceased at the scene. The matter is still under investigation by RCMP, CVSE, BC Coroner Service, and Worksafe BC.
On November 16, Valemount RCMP received a report of vehicle colliding with a deer near Terracana Resort. The vehicle was drivable and continued on its way. No one was injured in the collision.
On November 16, McBride RCMP received a report of a male refusing to leave a residence. The male had left prior to police arrival, but was located and spoken to regarding the incident. No charges are being considered at this time.
On November 17, Valemount RCMP attended a single vehicle collision 25 km north of Blue River. A north bound pick-up truck lost control on a curve and hit the ditch. The vehicle was removed from the ditch. Neither the occupants nor the vehicle were injured in the crash. Once out of the ditch the vehicle was determined to be road worthy and continued on its way.
Police have been inundated with vehicle collision reports over the past week as motorists are failing to slow down and drive according to changing road conditions. The posted speed limit is a maximum speed for dry clean roads in optimal weather conditions. Winter tires, identified by a mountain with a snowflake on the sidewall, are a must for traveling safely in winter. Motorists must still exercise sound judgment and travel at a speed relative to conditions as even good winter tires and/or four-wheel-drive will not make a difference if your speed is sufficient to overcome the coefficient of friction of the snow covered roadway. Four-wheel-drive does not help you with better traction while cornering or braking over any other vehicle. Black ice makes the highway appear shiny instead of gray-white; shaded areas tend to be extra icy; bridges and overpasses are cooled from underneath and freeze quicker; and intersections get extra slippery due to packed snow and car exhaust.
In addition to proper winter tires and driving at slower speeds, winter drivers should also: avoid the use of cruise control; double your safe following distance from 2 to 4 seconds (12 car lengths); be extra vigilant for wildlife; use extreme caution around road maintenance vehicles; buckle up; keep your gas tank full for better traction; keep your washer fluid full; drive with your headlights on; ensure you have good visibility out of ALL windows; and carry a winter supply kit in your vehicle. For additional information and more winter driving tips visit www.icbc.com/road-safety. For the most up-to-date road conditions visit www.drivebc.ca or call 1-800-550-4997.
