Halston Connector crash ties up morning commute

KAMLOOPS – A three vehicle collision near Halston Avenue and Salish Road this morning sent a young boy to hospital and tied up traffic for 45 minutes.

Staff Sgt. Doug Aird says an eastbound vehicle cut into the outside right lane just before the turn off to Highway 5 around 8 a.m., Tuesday, April 28. As a result vehicles broke suddenly and a collision ensued as the vehicles attempted to slow down.

The ‘chain reaction collision’ resulted in a young boy being transported to Royal Inland Hospital with neck and head injuries, Aird says in a release, and two other people suffered minor whiplash injuries.

A truck involved in the collision was totalled and traffic in one lane was affected for about 45 minutes while a tow truck removed the heavily damaged vehicle.

Traffic was ‘bumper to bumper with eastbound commuters’ at the time of the crash, Aird says.

Traffic on Halston Avenue and Highway 5 was expected to increase with construction on the Overlanders Bridge starting earlier this month. Aird notes the rural RCMP detachment has investigated more than half a dozen multi-vehicle collisions in the past two weeks.

Aird was expecting light cycles in the area to be changed to accommodate the influx of traffic and additional traffic cameras are expected to be installed near the Halston Avenue intersection in the next two weeks.

Aird offers these tips to commuters:
– Leave earlier to avoid traffic jams.
– Provide ample time for delays.
– Abide by the 70 km/h speed limit, police will be monitoring the area.
– Leave room between other vehicles to allow for proper braking distance.
– Plan you trip well in advance, including what lane you need to be in.
– Be patient and courteous.
– Stay off cell phones and leave all electronic devices alone.
 
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