On Saturday, Dec. 6, Clearwater RCMP received a report that two tractor trailer units had slid into the ditch near the Otter Creek Forest Service road, south of Wire Cache rest stop on Highway 5.
Reports advised that the entire highway was encased in a thick layer of ice, leaving next to no way to stop your vehicle, due to the lack of traction. Even walking on the roadway proved hazardous.
Clearwater RCMP received multiple reports of vehicle sliding into the ditch from Wire Cache all the way to Blue River and beyond.
Police attended several multiple vehicle motor vehicle incidents, including a tractor trailer that had been travelling too quickly for the conditions. The tractor trailer driver then noticed that traffic had lined up and attempted to drive around it. The driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a second tractor trailer that was waiting patiently on the highway.
The driver of the first tractor trailer unit was charged with driving without consideration and served a violation ticket.
Just behind this incident a second two vehicle collision occurred, involving a tractor trailer unit and a pick-up truck. The tractor trailer had attempted to pass the line as well and lost control, sliding and damaging the back end of a pick-up truck.
This driver was also charged with driving without consideration and served a violation ticket.
Due to the heavy volume of traffic incidents and poor road conditions the highway was shut down for several hours as tow companies pulled vehicles out of the ditches and back onto the roadway.
When travelling down the highway during the winter season, remember to drive relative to conditions.
Vehicle impounded at road check
On Dec. 6, Clearwater RCMP and Central Interior Traffic Services conducted a road check on Highway 5 at the Clearwater roundabout.
Police spoke to a driver coming through the road check and immediately noticed the odor of marijuana. Police arrested the male for possession of a controlled substance and located a small hidden cache of marijuana.
Traffic Services conducted a sobriety test, which the driver failed. The driver’s marijuana was seized and his vehicle was impounded for 24 hours.