Series of collisions along Highway 5 has raised concerns over road safety

KAMLOOPS — Highway 5 north of Kamloops saw a three-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon (Feb. 9) involving two commercial vehicles and a pickup truck. The crash killed the driver of the pickup as a result and sent the passenger to hospital.

This has heightened concerns about highway safety from Barriere Councillor Scott Kershaw.

“I don’t remember a time when we’ve had this many accidents — nor do I remember this much commercial traffic on our road,” said Kershaw. “We welcome the commercial traffic, we just have to figure out how to make it work for everybody.”

This is the second time in the last week that a collision with a semi-trailer unit has resulted in a fatality. On February 2, a two-vehicle collision near McLure led to another driver dead on scene. Chief Administrative Officer Bob Payette believes speed and control are the issues behind the number of accidents along the highway.

“A lot of people driving this corridor are not familiar with driving in mountainous terrain,” said Payette. “The speed is excessive and their ability to control their vehicles is not where it should be.”

Additionally, residents in the town of Barriere have also expressed their concerns about Highway 5.

“You know I used to feel very confident in my driving and driving on [Highway 5]. But I have to say now, I warn my family and everyone to be careful driving [Highway 5],” one resident said.

Councillor Kershaw also states that it’s time the province looks at a dual speed zone, as a solution to reducing collisions and keeping the highway open.

“It’s closing down lots. We have lots of community members that work in Kamloops or they go to Kamloops for health services but they’re stuck there,” said Kershaw.

“Then our secondary roads get clogged up and they are unable to come home to their families.”

Mayor of Barriere Ward Stamer says he plans to meet with BC’s Transportation Minister Rob Fleming sometime next week. The mayor’s goal is to push for a mandate that would require all commercial vehicles in BC to have dashcams mounted.