Traffic was reduced to one lane northbound on the Trans-Canada Highway in Chemainus on Tuesday afternoon after a three-vehicle collision near Henry Road.
The crash happened around 12:43 p.m. on May 27 and involved a Ford Escape, a Mazda CX9 and a semi truck. According to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, a vehicle had stopped in the fast lane at the intersection despite a green light. A Mazda CX9 travelling at highway speed attempted to avoid a direct collision but struck the stopped Ford Escape and the semi truck.
Police say the driver of the Escape had apparently missed the entrance to the left-turn lane and attempted to turn from the fast lane, leading to the crash.
“Driver error appears to be a primary factor in the crash while impairment was ruled out,” said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the BC RCMP.
No injuries were reported. One northbound lane was closed for just over an hour, reopening by 2:30 p.m.
“If, as a driver, you miss your turn, it is always safest to proceed to the next available intersection,” Clark said. “Unexpected stops or unsafe lane changes, especially at intersections where those manoeuvres are more likely to occur, can be very dangerous for you and other road users.”
