Speed was a factor in the death of a man involved in a crash along Lougheed Highway in east Maple Ridge on Monday.
The collision occurred in the 26600-block of Lougheed Hwy. around 3 p.m., claiming the life of a 42-year-old Mission man.
According to Ridge Meadows RCMP, an eastbound BMW collided with a westbound Jeep SUV, resulting in both vehicles landing in ditches, one upside down.
An air ambulance landed on the highway.
The driver of the SUV was badly injured and, despite all life-saving efforts by the B.C. Ambulance Service and Maple Ridge fire department, passed away at hospital.
Traffic in the area was tied up for several hours as the investigation took place.
“Investigators have established speed as being a contributing factor in this collision,” said RCMP Cpl. Brenda Winpenny.
Traffic safety is a priority for the RCMP, she added.
At the time of the accident, police were conducting speed enforcement just west of the crash scene.
In 2015, Ridge Meadows RCMP charged an all-time high number of drivers with excessive speeding. For example, 322 drivers were charged for driving more than 40 kilometers over the speed limit last year, and so far in 2016, 84 drivers have been charged.
In addition, a mandatory seven-day vehicle impound is included in this legislation, and is being applied.
In 2015, 10 people lost their lives on roads in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, including one fatal collision that occurred near the one on Monday.
The RCMP will continue to work with the provincial government towards road safety improvements on the Lougheed Highway, Winpenny said.
• Anyone with information regarding Monday’s crash who has not spoken to police is asked to contact Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251 and quote file No. 2016-5099.
