RCMP increasing enforcement after several crashes in Kelowna

KELOWNA — Several crashes on central Okanagan roadways and provincial highways have kept emergency crews busy the past couple of days and Kelowna RCMP say the recent dumps of snow is the main reason why.

On Sunday, Kelowna RCMP responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 33 East near Gardner Road, shortly before 3 p.m.

“Police determined that a west-bound grey Honda Civic had lost control, crossed the centre line and collided with an east-bound black Honda CRV,” says Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Police determined that a west-bound grey Honda Civic had lost control, crossed the centre line and collided with an east-bound black Honda CRV," says Cst. Jesse O'Donaghey.

B.C. Ambulance Services (BCAS) and the fire department attended and occupants of both vehicles were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to O’Donaghey.

“The driver of the Honda Civic was charged under the Motor Vehicle Act for speed relative to conditions, which carries a $167 fine.”

About two hours later, police responded to another two-vehicle accident on Highway 33 East, this one near Goudie Road.

“Police learned that a west-bound white Dodge pickup truck lost control due to speed and snowy conditions, spun out, and struck a concrete barrier,” says O’Donaghey.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Police learned that a west-bound white Dodge pickup truck lost control due to speed and snowy conditions, spun out, and struck a concrete barrier," says O'Donaghey.

“The second east-bound vehicle, a white Toyota Echo, took evasive action to avoid a collision and subsequently went off the roadway.”

He says the driver of the pickup truck, a 31-year-old Kelowna man, failed a roadside screening test for alcohol and was handed a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP).

“The man was also charged under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving contrary to his licence restrictions.”

O’Donaghey says no one was injured as a result of this incident.

“[Monday] afternoon the Kelowna RCMP are again responding to several crashes on Highway 33 east of Kelowna,” says O’Donaghey.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "[Monday] afternoon the Kelowna RCMP are again responding to several crashes on Highway 33 east of Kelowna," says O'Donaghey.

“The Kelowna RCMP is urging drivers to slow down and adjust their speeds to the weather and road conditions. Kelowna RCMP will also be increasing enforcement to aid in reducing the number of crashes.”