A single-vehicle collision on West Saanich Road closed the roadway to all traffic for several hours Friday night and left the driver with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to Saanich police, the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on March 19 in the 4800-block of West Saanich Road. Upon arrival, first responders found one heavily-damaged vehicle that had collided with a utility pole.
At 6:30 p.m., police issued an alert that the 4700- and 4800-blocks of West Saanich Road would be closed in both directions for some time as crews worked to clear the roadway and attend to the vehicle occupants – neither of whom were seriously injured.
The driver was issued a $276 ticket after officers on scene discovered the individual had been driving without a valid licence, said Const. Markus Anastasiades, public information officer, in a written statement Saturday morning. Paramedics transported the driver to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
READ ALSO: West Saanich Road reopens after deadly morning crash
Anastasiades noted the collision is still under investigation, but police believe the driver crashed into the utility pole after swerving to avoid an animal.
“Deer are the most common animal that vehicles collide with in Saanich,” Anastasiades said. In these instances, if it’s safe, drivers should slow down or brake rather than swerving to avoid hitting an animal.
“In most cases, this results in less serious injuries to all involved,” he said.
The area remained closed to traffic in both directions until just before midnight. Police remained on scene through the evening to divert traffic. Northbound drivers were directed onto Beaver Lake Road and those heading south were diverted to Interurban Road or Old West Saanich Road.
Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
