Christmas crashes keep Kamloops cops busy
It's Christmas Day, but the roads of Kamloops have been anything but cheery for some motorists, according to police.
Kamloops RCMP say three separate crashes — two due to icy roads and one potentially caused by alcohol — have kept officers busy throughout the day.
The first was at 8 a.m., when emergency crews were called to the 500-block of Columbia Street after the driver of a GMC Jimmy SUV lost control on a slick corner.
"After losing traction, the driver over-corrected and went off-road left striking the guard rail, with the vehicle coming to rest facing north in the south-bound lane," said Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Doug Aird, adding the driver and three passengers escaped injury.
A father and daughter weren't so lucky in this morning's other crash, when their GMC Yukon was totaled in a wreck on Highway 5A near Rogers Way just after 11 a.m.
Aird said the Yukon fishtailed, left the road and struck two light poles before coming to a rest.
At 2:35 p.m., police were called to the area of the Yellowhead Highway and Halston Avenue, after the driver of a north-bound pickup truck attempted to turn left against a red light — and, Aird said, "at a very good clip."
The pickup spun off the road and knocked down a light pole before colliding with the Home Hardware Building Centre fence.
Its male driver was taken to Royal Inland Hospital with possible back injuries. The only other occupant of the truck was the man's dog, who was unhurt.
Police are looking at speed and alcohol as potential contributing factors.
Aird said while it might be a holiday weekend, Mounties are not taking any time off.
"The Kamloops City RCMP detachment is working at full compliment and will be checking for drinking drivers throughout the week," he said.
"Enjoy your Christmas meals and cheer, but don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle."
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