As is often the case this time of year, several accidents have marred the headlines.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said that police urge caution driving practices and will be on the lookout for up-to-code winter tires.
“As we are now seeing snow fall through the region, and have already attended several collisions as a result of this most recent snow fall, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP want to remind motorists to adjust their speeds to road conditions, ensure your vehicle has a winter rated tires and the proper winter emergency kits and supplies,” Brett said.
Just as light snow began to fall Sunday, Dec. 9, an accident slowed traffic on Highway 97 south of Vernon as crews worked to remove the SUV from the median strip. Paramedics, firefighters, police and a tow truck were on scene about four kilometres south of Vernon. The single-vehicle accident occurred around 1:30 p.m.
As of press time Tuesday, there is no word on the cause of the crash.
Later Sunday evening, emergency crews responded to another single-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in the same vicinity as the earlier accident. RCMP and Fire Rescue Services were called to the scene of the accident, on Highway 97 near Birnie Road, at 6:19 p.m.
After snow had the chance to accumulate throughout the valley, Monday morning saw the closure of the Trans Canada Highway near Sicamous for about two hours due to a vehicle incident.
DriveBC reported the crash at 3 a.m. and the highway reopened at 5:03 a.m.
In Vernon, fire crews and police called to the scene of a single-vehicle that ended up in the ditch on Highway 6 shortly after 8 a.m. Monday.
According to Environment Canada forecasts, temperatures are expected to remain above freezing and the chance of rain showers persists through to Monday.
Brett said motorists failing to comply with the minimum requirement of 3.5 mm tread on winter tires will be receive a ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act in the amount of $109.
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