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Driver brakes for squirrel on B.C. highway, causes four-vehicle crash
NANAIMO – Slamming on the brakes to let a squirrel cross the road came at a cost for a driver who caused a multi-vehicle crash in Nanaimo, B.C.
RCMP say the 53-year-old man's vehicle was rear-ended by a commercial food truck and two pickups on the Island Highway. One vehicle was so damaged it needed to be towed.
Police say the man hit the brakes to let a squirrel dash across two lanes of traffic last Friday.
The highway was closed for some time to clear away the debris during the morning rush hour.
Paramedics at the scene determined that none of the motorists needed to be treated in hospital.
RCMP say that braking on highways where speeds can be up to 110 kilometres an hour is dangerous and may cause serious collisions.
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11 responses
Lorna Richard yes people follow far to close – agreed. with that in mind don’t stop for the dam squirrel so maybe you wont kill the child in the car behind as it smashes into the overly kind driver. I know that hiway – very unlikely to have a child on it. Still people do follow to closely – yup.
sometimes it is a instant reaction to save and not hurt anything, it takes only seconds like those who swerve to miss a deer and end up in the ditch who knows only the driver does.People follow way too close I notice too!IF you are not far enough back take responsibility as well.
What if it was a child? People follow far to closely on the highway with little awareness of what is happening around them.
Honestly people who taught you all to drive? Save the squirrel? It’s no wonder there’s so many accidents on freeways!! No swerving or slamming on brakes at 110, you drive straight over it – whatever it is & try not to kill yourself and everyone around you with stupid Dukes of Hazzard moves, nobody out there is a stunt driver, stay straight and keep moving. I have a 40 minute commute on a freeway every day & the stupidity I witness EVERY day is unfathomable … It’s a wonder more people aren’t killed – daily.
But he saved the squirrel’s life <3.
are you frigging serious? take his licence away!
Yikes!I know someone who shall remain nameless who braked for a squirrel while hauling a very large travel trailer, and everything was fishtailing!
Kudos to the driver for attempting to NOT squish the squirrel!The drivers behind were either: 1. Not paying attention 2. Following to close 3. NOT looking down the road far enough
Wow! The squirrel did it! After all we don’t tailgate.
It’s nice not to hit an animal if you can avoid them, but a quick look in the mirror can tell you if it’s safe to do so. If not well……………. one less squirrel.
Debbie…was this you? lol