It wasn’t the accident on the South Island Highway Friday that bothered police.
It was the drive-by cell phone photographers.
On Friday at 4:07 p.m., Campbell River RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on the Island Highway South by Rockland Road.
A grey 2003 Chevrolet Silverado was travelling southbound on the highway when the driver left the roadway and struck a power pole. Power was knocked out throughout the area and into the downtown core.
The Campbell River RCMP, The Campbell River Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service attended the scene and rendered assistance.
The driver and only occupant, a 44-year-old Campbell River man, had only minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however drugs and alcohol were not a factor.
“Police officers on scene reported that several drivers passing the collision had their cell phones out taking pictures as they were driving by,” Cpl. Poppy Hallam said. “The public is reminded using an electronic device while driving is an offence. If you are driving by a scene such as that, you need to be paying attention to the flaggers and the roadway.
“These scenes are extremely dangerous for first responders and the Good Samaritans who have stopped to help. They should not have to be worried that drivers passing by are distracted by using cell phones.”
