On Tuesday, Feb. 11, at approximately 11:20 a.m., members of the Southeast District RCMP Traffic Services and the Clearwater RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle crash, located on the Yellowhead Highway 5, approximately 10 km south of Clearwater.
Upon arrival at the scene, members ascertained that a northbound pickup truck had left the travelled portion of the highway and rolled through the ditch, before coming to rest a short distance away in a clump of trees
There were two occupants in the vehicle, a 24-year old-male and his 23-year-old common-law wife. Both are residents of Surrey, B.C.
During this crash, the male driver and female passenger sustained minor injuries. Cpl. Doerr reports that these two individuals were extremely lucky that their injuries were not more severe, considering the configuration of trees that they crashed into. The female passenger was reported to be in the early stages of her pregnancy.
Members of the BC Ambulance Service, Highway Rescue and the RCMP helped to extract both occupants from the pickup truck. Both occupants were cut free from the pickup truck and then transported to the Clearwater hospital for treatment of non life threatening injuries.
At this point in time, drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors in this crash. It is suspected that the icy and slick roads conditions, as well as this pickup truck only being equipped with all-season tires, were significant factors of this crash.
RCMP again urge the motoring public to slow down and drive a speed that is more conducive to icy winter roads conditions. Although roads may appear to be normal and good, it is still February and cautious winter driving habits must be adhered to.
Additionally, police reiterate the effectiveness of proper winter-grade tires to be equipped on vehicles, when travelling out on public roadways during the winter months. Good winter tires, slower speeds and driver alertness are all important factors in supporting safer travel.