Kamloops RCMP ask motorists to slow down due to ‘treacherous road conditions’

Dec 19, 2017 | 9:07 AM

KAMLOOPS — It’s a veritable gong show on area roads this morning.

The Kamloops RCMP says the snowfall has led to “treacherous” conditions due to ice and snow.

“Currently, members of the Kamloops Rural RCMP are on scene of two separate motor vehicle incidents near Savona,” says Cpl. Jodi Shelkie, who adds there have been “a lot of motor vehicle incidents” around the city as well.

“We’ve seen a lot involving two vehicles, more than two vehicles and single vehicle accidents. And so we’re just asking people to slow down and take your time this morning.”

She also urges drivers to give extra distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them and to ensure extra braking distance at intersections.

Shelkie says it’s also troubling that some drivers still don’t have their winter tires on.

“So, if you don’t have them on, find another mode of transportation today and get those winter tires on soon.”

She also reminds motorists to slow down when driving past emergency vehicles.

“Paramedics, rescue workers and police officers are often out of their vehicles and working on scene. They depend on passing motorists to exercise caution for their safety and the safety of the victims they are attending to.”

Glen Farrow, streets and environmental services manager with the City of Kamloops, says city crews started seeing snow accumulations early this morning.

“And we’re still expecting pretty good accumulations over the next 24 hours so crews will be out plowing and applying (traction material) at those key intersections on hills, breaking down that ice where we can and where we’re seeing issues and concerns.”

He says cleanup will begin in earnest after the snow stops falling. 

“So, based on the forecast we’ll have everything cleaned up in advance of the Christmas break.”