Slow down when the snow flies, first responders plead

KAMLOOPS – Snow covered roads and speedy drivers are combining in a bad way, making emergency responders' jobs harder today.

It's been snowing on the Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector for most of the day, causing serious winter conditions for area roads, Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Mike Pears says in a media release.

"Snow plows are working all of the highways, but motorists do not seem to be slowing down and respecting the road conditions or the responders that are attending to collision scenes," Pears says.

Pears says police have witnessed drivers travelling faster than 120 kilometres per hour. The speed limit is for ideal, dry and clear road conditions.

"It may be more appropriate for motorists to be travelling considerably less than 120 km per hour such as 60, 80 or 100 km per hour, depending on the condition of road they are traveling." Pears says.

Winter roads take more time for braking and reacting to corners and obstructions.

A couple and their toddler crashed this morning on their way to Sun Peaks. The driver was extracted from the vehicle and taken to hospital.

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