Snowy and slippery road conditions have kept the Oceanside RCMP and Parksville Fire Department busy, responding to weather-related crashes.
Police were called out to 15 collisions between midnight on Saturday and Monday morning, with snow and icy conditions contributing factors in all of them, according to Sgt. Shane Worth.
“Fortunately, none of the collisions resulted in any serious injuries,” Worth said. “Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive to the conditions.”
Worth added drivers should consider installing winter tires on their vehicles and if they do not have to travel during snowy conditions, please stay home.
Parksville Fire Department has been called out several times to the exit at Highway 19 northbound, at approximately 50 kilometres, as there is a vehicle not yet cleared from the side of the road.
Fire Chief Marc Norris said the vehicle is flagged off to indicate it has been checked by the fire department. He added the department has requested the road contractor have the vehicle removed from the area to avoid further confusion for passing drivers.
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When calling in a motor vehicle accident, Norris said it is important for the caller to give a good description of the area, for example Highway 19 Inland Highway northbound, as well as any location identifiers. Stop and check for people, if safe to do so.
If a vehicle has fire-line, police-line or other flagging tape on it, it means emergency services have checked it already, Norris added.
Norris said drivers should take the time to check the weather forecast, prepare and take it slow.
— NEWS Staff