The road was icy, but as far as the Prince George RCMP are concerned, that was no excuse for a three-vehicle collision Wednesday morning on the Foothills Boulevard bridge.
Police attributed the tangle to a simple matter of driving too fast for conditions. Charges are likely, Mounties added.
Called to the scene shortly before 8 a.m., police believe the driver of a northbound pickup truck lost control, crossed the centre and collided with an oncoming pickup. The driver of another southbound pickup then ran into the two vehicles, RCMP said.
Two of the drivers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and traffic was restricted to single-lane alternating for most of the morning commute to work.
"Police would like to remind the driving public to drive to the road conditions," RCMP said. "Slow down and give the vehicle in front of you plenty of room to stop should the driver need to."
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia had a similar message in a statement this week, noting the number of injuries and deaths due to driving too fast for conditions more than doubles in northern B.C. at this time of year.
The insurer also issued some tips for avoiding trouble on the roads this fall:
- Ice and snow can hit unexpectedly so make sure your tires are rated for the conditions you'll be driving in this winter. Check your tire pressure regularly - pressure drops in cold weather and overinflated tires can reduce gripping.
- When severe winter conditions arrive, consider alternatives - take public transit if possible, carpool with a confident driver whose vehicle is equipped for the conditions, take a taxi, work from home or wait until the road crews have cleared major roads. Sometimes the best option is to leave the car at home.
- Consider using your headlights whenever weather is poor and visibility is reduced - not only at night - to help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers. Keep in mind that daytime running lights usually don't activate your taillights too.
- Clear off any snow that's built up on your vehicle's headlights and wheel wells before driving; it can affect your ability to see and steer.
- In poor weather, use extreme caution when approaching highway maintenance vehicles on the road and never pass on the right. Be patient and maintain a safe following distance - these vehicles throw up snow and spray which can make it difficult to see.
If you notice a vehicle stopped on the side of the road with flashing red, blue or yellow lights, you're required to slow down and move over.
