Winter is on the way and it’s becoming a concerning thought considering all the safety issues we’ve been dealing with along the Highway 5 corridor in recent years.
As a citizen, mother, grandmother with strong family ties and history in the North Thompson I’m having a really difficult time wrapping my head around the idea of why drivers continue to speed instead of driving to conditions, ignoring signs clearly pointing out dangerous curves, reduced speed areas where roads and pavement is uneven and indicating caution should be taken.
Every drive along this highway feels more and more risky with the impatient drivers constantly tailgating, passing on double solids and taking chances as though they are invincible.
Logically, you would think seeing the new flashing arrows just south of Barriere would alert drivers there is a pretty good reason to slow down in those rock face tight winding curves.
Take the Darfield ‘jumps’ for example, as some have named the rolling section of highway which is continuously moving and shifting due to water erosion underneath the pavement causing a constant upheaval of the roadway there.
Last summer, a young driver in a speeding car lost his life, and nearly those of a beloved grandma from Simpcw First Nation and her two beautiful grandchildren.
His passenger later passed from her injuries. The grandma is still recovering and in specialized therapy while the children deal with the emotional trauma following their release from hospital so many months later.
That section is now more clearly marked and the speed limit lowered again considerably, but driving this highway regularly those signs just don’t seem to exist for some commercial and passenger vehicle drivers.
There has been a noticeable decrease in CVSE in the past couple of months along Highway 5 again. Remembering the multiple fatalities last year when the highway was closed for hours and even overnight in both directions, it’s hard not to anticipate these winter months with a bit of trepidation when drivers are continuing to ignore speed limit and warning signs all along the Hwy. 5 corridor.
We all know that an investigation takes time when there is a serious crash or fatality, without enough investigative resources in the interior that results in even more delays and longer closures with people stuck in their vehicles during these colder months.
Our incredible first responder and highway rescue teams are superheroes in my view, already stretched to the max at the best of times. Our local RCMP and BCHP have a huge coverage area from Barriere to Blue River and it would be so great to have the additional members in both Barriere and Clearwater that our local officials have been asking the provincial government for since last year.
Our voices matter and collectively we can have an impact on our own safety and most especially the safety of our loved ones.
Let’s hope we get some kind of serious commitments and answers from government and soon on these crucial issues. At the very least we deserve some straightforward answers and at best reassurance on the commitments we heard last year from the province regarding enforcement, more passing lanes and pull outs, possible reflective line painting and signage.
As far as I know there is no mountain driving endorsement or certification in place for commercial drivers, many who can’t even put chains on their trucks without asking for help in winter weather.
If you have something to say, please feel free to write your editor at the Barriere Star/Journal or Clearwater Times. We value your opinion and look forward to hearing from you.
Send your letter via email to hettie.buck@starjournal.net or editor@clearwatertimes.com