DriveSmartBC

We have come to expect that our highways will always be open to us to use at any time under all conditions. When something occurs, such as a serious collision, some drivers still think that their convenience takes priority over all other issues and the highway should not be closed to them. Conversely, when the police are investigating a collision that results in a highway closure, they must proceed with all speed to aid the injured and gather all the necessary evidence in order to restore the path for traffic. Reality is often somewhere between the two.

Any highway closure is actually the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation. Police do have powers in the Motor Vehicle Act to direct traffic and often use them to effect temporary closures in order to facilitate rescue operations during a serious crash. Anything more does require the authority of the Ministry, usually accomplished through the Road Maintenance Contractor. Island District Traffic Services has agreed with the Ministry that closures of 30 minutes or less in duration may be managed by the police. If the closure is going to be longer than that period of time, it becomes the responsibility of the Contractor who will provide the necessary manpower and equipment to close the highway and look after redirection of traffic if it is possible.

The police have the responsibility to investigate a crash properly. Failing to take the time required to do so will result in criticism from the public, the courts, and could result in a civil action from the victims for failing in that duty and of course, the guilty not being convicted where appropriate. Due to the nature of some crash scenes in order to gather the evidence completely and safely, the highway must be closed for a period of time.

If you were the victim in a crash, you would properly expect the police to do a thorough investigation. With that expectation comes the duty to extend the same consideration to others. This may include being inconvenienced by not having the expected use of the highway.

References:

Section 123 MVA - Police Traffic Direction

Ministry of Transportation Web Site

Road Maintenance Contractor Contact Information.