No significant damage after truck strikes tunnel; B.C. investigating
B.C.’s Transportation Ministry is actively working to identify the company and driver responsible for the latest incident involving a commercial vehicle hitting highway infrastructure. The impact occurred at the George Massey Tunnel, and while there doesn’t appear to be any significant damage, the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement branch of the ministry is conducting an investigation. The RCMP has been notified and will be conducting a thorough inquiry.
This incident involving a commercial vehicle is frustrating and unacceptable. There should be no excuse for it. With the advancements in technology, it is now easier than ever for drivers to follow route guidance and ensure the safe travel of their loads throughout our highway system, thus avoiding potential collisions with infrastructure, stated an official from the Transportation Ministry.
In an effort to address the rising number of infrastructure hits, particularly those involving trucks, the province introduced stricter measures in December. These measures include escalating penalties for both trucking companies and drivers with repeat offenses, such as longer suspensions and potential loss of their operating certificate.
Shortly after the implementation of these measures, a driver operating a Chohan Freight Forwarders Ltd. truck collided with an overpass on Highway 99 in Delta. This incident marked the company’s sixth hit in the span of two years, resulting in the immediate suspension of their safety certificate by the B.C. government. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.
The Transportation Ministry emphasized that the recently implemented enforcement measures are aimed at deterring such collisions and come with the highest fines in Canada, as well as lengthy suspensions of entire trucking fleets. However, they acknowledged that despite the majority of truckers operating safely and responsibly, a select few drivers and companies are not adhering to the regulations. As a result, the ministry will continue to explore additional measures, including legislative changes enabling even higher fines, to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Trucking companies and drivers are urged to prioritize safety and to exercise responsibility when operating on the road. The public’s safety and the integrity of highway infrastructure are paramount, and it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to prevent further collisions.
The Transportation Ministry’s investigation into the recent incident at the George Massey Tunnel remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Truck strikes tunnel; tests continue to identify company and driver involved. Ministry confirms no significant damage, RCMP notified, investigation underway. Efforts to prevent repeat collisions stepped up after sixth hit for Chohan Freight Forwarders. Ministry emphasizes the importance of safety and cooperation among industry stakeholders.
