Pickup towing RV hits two motorcycles on Highway 97 in South Okanagan

A collision between a pickup truck towing an RV trailer and two motorcyclists on Highway 97 near Osoyoos sent the two people on the bikes to hospital yesterday morning.

RCMP responded to the collision on Highway 97 at Fruitvale Way near Osoyoos at around 9:35 a.m. yesterday, July 16, according to an RCMP media release.

Police say the motorcyclists were overtaking the truck pulling the RV trailer on a four-lane stretch of the highway when the truck and trailer suddenly merged left to make a left turn on Fruitvale Way, striking the motorcycles and knocking the drivers to the ground.

A 61-year-old woman from Langley suffered serious, non-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital, while the other rider, a 45-year-old woman from Lake Country, was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The 59-year-old driver of the pickup, a Calgary man, faces a charge of driving without due care and attention.

"The Osoyoos RCMP would like to remind driver’s that during the warmer months there is an increase of motorcyclists on the road," RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Jason Bayda said the release.

"It is imperative driver’s know their surroundings. Look twice for motorcyclists before making turns or when changing lanes as they are smaller and much harder to see."

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