Bob Long Posted October 6, 2023 Share Posted October 6, 2023 2 minutes ago, Ryan Strome said: I mean I better tread lightly here. I believe years back You told me you are from Saskatchewan? That being said, training and education isn't exactly something that stands out in that province.. yes, I'm a SK refugee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted October 24, 2023 Author Share Posted October 24, 2023 Update on the North Vancouver overpass crash: Quote North Vancouver RCMP have no leads on driver involved in overpass crash The Main Street overpass in North Vancouver. (CityNews Image) By Sonia Aslam Posted October 24, 2023 7:48 am. It’s been more than a month since a semi-truck driver smashed into the Main Street overpass in North Vancouver causing significant damage and long traffic tie-ups, but the person responsible has yet to be found. The North Vancouver RCMP tells CityNews that, for its part, the investigation has concluded following the hit and run. “Currently we have no leads on the identity of the driver. Should any info arise identifying the driver, we will open our investigation and follow up,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak. “Our message to the public remains the same. If anyone has any info on the identity of the driver, please call the North Vancouver RCMP.” At the time of the crash, police issued the company a violation ticket worth $368 for failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) department has now taken over the investigation and says all of the carrier’s trucks were taken off the road after the incident on Sept. 19. “CVSE officers also confirmed that the necessary changes that could be made while the carrier was suspended were completed before the suspension was lifted on Sept. 27, 2023,” the ministry said in a statement to CityNews. “CVSE will continue monitoring the carrier to ensure their on-road behaviour follows the company’s commitment and the relevant regulations and will be auditing the company in early 2024.” The department has issued fines to the carrier totalling $3,500. According to the B.C. government, the “carrier/driver” didn’t have a permit when the truck hit the overpass. The September incident is one of several similar incidents around the Lower Mainland in the last few years. The spate of overpass crashes has the BC Trucking Association calling on the province to be more transparent about incidents in which large vehicles hit public infrastructure, and one trucking instructor calling for warning systems before overpasses along highways. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/10/24/north-vancouver-overpass-truck-driver-no-leads/ I'm guessing whoever did it is probably out of the country right now, or if they're in the country, they're laying pretty low in a different province. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted October 24, 2023 Author Share Posted October 24, 2023 Another day, another smack in the head... Quote Truck hits Langley overpass on Highway 1 The 232 Street overpass over Highway 1 in Langley on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, (Courtesy DriveBC) By Hana Mae Nassar and Greg Bowman Posted October 24, 2023 11:43 am. Last Updated October 24, 2023 12:51 pm. Another Lower Mainland overpass has been hit by a truck. B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure confirms to CityNews that a commercial vehicle travelling westbound on Highway 1 hit a CP rail overpass near 232 Street in Langley Tuesday morning. In an email, the ministry says the overpass sustained “minor and cosmetic,” adding the rail line was not impacted. Callers reported the strike to CityNews around 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Images on social media show a truck parked on the side of the highway with damage to the sides and top of the trailer. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/10/24/langley-overpass-truck-highway-1/ 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted October 25, 2023 Author Share Posted October 25, 2023 On 10/24/2023 at 9:17 AM, 6of1_halfdozenofother said: Update on the North Vancouver overpass crash: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/10/24/north-vancouver-overpass-truck-driver-no-leads/ I'm guessing whoever did it is probably out of the country right now, or if they're in the country, they're laying pretty low in a different province. Further update on the North Van head-bash: Quote ID of truck driver who hit North Van overpass known, province says A truck collided with the Main Street overpass in North Vancouver heading toward the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (Courtesy Twitter/@MillerCapilano4) By Cole Schisler and Hana Mae Nassar and Sonia Aslam Posted October 25, 2023 2:12 pm. Last Updated October 25, 2023 2:13 pm. Despite the RCMP saying it had “no leads” on the identity of the truck driver who hit a North Vancouver overpass in September, the province says investigators do know who the person is. The RCMP told CityNews this week that, for its part, the investigation has concluded following the hit and run. “Currently we have no leads on the identity of the driver. Should any info arise identifying the driver, we will open our investigation and follow up,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak. “Our message to the public remains the same. If anyone has any info on the identity of the driver, please call the North Vancouver RCMP.” However, Transportation Minister Rob Fleming says “they have identified the driver,” adding the company “would not be back on the road if they had not cooperated with the police.” “The driver has not been found, so I’d have to refer any additional information to the RCMP about how they’re trying to apprehend that individual,” Fleming told reporters Wednesday. “Basically, since the evening when that driver abandoned their vehicle after the accident, police have been seeking that individual to interview them about how that accident happened, and have not been able to locate him to date.” The Main Street overpass in North Vancouver. (CityNews Image) The company that owns the truck, Whistler Courier & Freightways, also confirmed Wednesday that it “cooperated completely with investigators looking into the Tuesday, Sept. 19 bridge strike on Highway 1 in North Vancouver.” “Whistler Courier is operating with new safety policies and procedures following that incident. We understand that all investigations into the matter are concluded,” a statement posted to social media added. At the time of the crash, police issued the company a violation ticket worth $368 for failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The company previously said that two employees were “facing disciplinary action” in connection with the incident, though more information was not available due to privacy. It’s unclear if the driver involved remains an employee of Whistler Courier & Freightways. The Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) department took over the investigation and notes all of the carrier’s trucks were taken off the road after the incident. The suspension was lifted on Sept. 27. Fleming’s comments only raise more questions following the incident, which forced the closure of a stretch of Highway 1 for nearly 20 hours. “I don’t know why this individual hasn’t been apprehended, except that they literally may be running away from justice right now, from talking to police. They obviously would probably have a pretty good idea that police are looking for them. That’s all I can say, I can’t speculate any further,” the minister told reporters. “We have laws against companies that don’t cooperate with the police. A company that had its licence suspended pending an investigation that refused to cooperate with police would never get its licence back. I would never allow that to happen. The CVSE — Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement unit — would not restore anyone’s licence who is not cooperating with police fully.” CityNews followed up with the North Vancouver RCMP on Wednesday asking whether or not it knew who the driver is and what is being done to locate the individual. In his response, Sahak reiterated that “enforcement action has been taken and our investigation has now been concluded.” “The identity of a person is one aspect of the offence,” he added. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/10/25/north-van-overpass-truck-driver-identity/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted October 27, 2023 Author Share Posted October 27, 2023 The trucking industry strikes back! Quote B.C. trucking industry stands by drivers, after several overpasses are hit A truck collided with the Main Street overpass in North Vancouver heading toward the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (Courtesy Twitter/@MillerCapilano4) By Sonia Aslam Posted October 27, 2023 7:19 am. It’s been a bumpy road for B.C.’s trucking industry this year, after major damage and traffic headaches were caused by overpasses being hit several times in different areas of the Lower Mainland. The most recent incident happened this week on Highway 1 in Langley. However, the most high-profile case this year took place in North Vancouver last month. In mid-September, a truck driver hit the Main Street overpass and took off. He has yet to be found. President and CEO of the BC Trucking Association Dave Earle says the industry’s members are safe to be out there, and is pushing back against the bad reputation they’re getting. “What gets missed is the literally millions of moves every day that happen safely. There are over 100,000 heavy vehicles on the roads in British Columbia on any given day moving through a variety of circumstances, and the vast, vast, vast majority are done well,” he told CityNews. Earle adds every time an overpass is struck, it gives those in trucking “pause” and “reasons” to review how they do things, but he didn’t elaborate on what that means. With the driver in the North Vancouver incident still at large, Earle says he has confidence in the investigation. “It’s unfortunate that we don’t have any public explanation as to what’s happened and what’s transpired, but I do have confidence in both the investigating agencies that they were able to move on this,” Earle added. However, it’s been difficult to get a straight answer about the investigation. This week, the provincial government confirmed it knows the identity of the driver involved in the Main Street overpass incident. It’s a name the trucking company whose vehicle hit the overpass claims it handed over last month. But Minister of Transportation Rob Fleming told reporters on Wednesday that any questions about tracking down the driver would fall to the North Vancouver RCMP. “The driver has not been found, so I’d have to refer any additional information to the RCMP about how they’re trying to apprehend that individual,” said Fleming. The RCMP told CityNews on Tuesday its investigation had concluded, pending new information about the driver. “Our message to the public remains the same. If anyone has any info on the identity of the driver, please call the North Vancouver RCMP,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak in a statement. The company that owns the truck, Whistler Courier & Freightways, won’t confirm if the driver has been fired, citing privacy reasons. In a statement online, it says two of its employees have faced disciplinary action. Earle says it’s unlikely the driver is working anywhere else as a trucker. “When an individual shows up to be employed, one of the first things they have to do in a commercial vehicle setting is provide their driver’s abstract, which is a record of their driving and a valid driver’s license, before the conversation can even begin,” he explained. “Particularly pulling the driver’s abstract, that is possible the different investigating agencies will be able to find out what’s happening. So, the chances of that individual continuing to work, honestly, anywhere else in Canada in the industry are extraordinarily small.” The B.C. government previously said the “carrier/driver” didn’t have a permit when the truck hit the overpass. Meanwhile, Earle is also pushing some of the blame of bad driving behaviour on the average driver. “I can’t tell you how many times in a given day I see drivers cutting in front of [commercial] vehicles because there’s space and the driver doesn’t realize there is no possibility that vehicle can stop in time. Drivers need to give these commercial vehicles… room.” Whistler Courier & Freightways’ operations were temporarily suspended following the overpass incident. The company has since been hit with more than $3,500 in fines. The Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) department says it will be conducting an audit of the company in early 2024. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/10/27/bc-trucking-overpass-drivers/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted November 1, 2023 Author Share Posted November 1, 2023 Glad to see an instructor weighing in on the issue. Quote Semi-trailer trucks have hit B.C. overpasses 29 times in 2 years. Most drivers just received tickets Fines and suspensions don't go far enough to cover damages to infrastructure, safety concerns, instructor says Jon Hernandez · CBC News · Posted: Nov 01, 2023 4:00 AM PDT | Last Updated: 6 hours ago A container truck is pictured after colliding with an overpass in North Vancouver in September 2023. (Miller Capilano Highway Services/Twitter) Sitting behind the wheel of a 14-foot-tall semi-trailer, Doug Clarke pulls onto Highway 1 near an overpass not far from his driving school in Langley, about 38 kilometres southeast of Vancouver. The bridge was struck by a truck last year. Just a kilometre westbound down the road, he drives underneath a railway overpass. It was hit by a semi-trailer last week. He then drives another few hundred metres further down the highway and points out the re-construction of an overpass at Glover Road, which he says was routinely struck by truck drivers over the years. "They tore down the overpass and they're building a higher one, but [the old overpass] was higher than the railway overpass," he says. "That's not going to solve it, they're just going to hit the railway overpass." "Every one of these instances disappoint me," the 87-year-old lifelong trucker adds. "Fortunately none of these have caused a death. If they did, it would start to take on more importance." There have been 29 incidents of trucks striking overpasses in B.C. since December 2021, when the province started making the data publicly available. Violation tickets were issued in 24 of the incidents, while in four cases, the carriers were suspended. Instructors like Clarke expect the figures are much higher, with many less severe strikes likely going unreported. He suspects distracted driving is largely to blame for the mounting number of incidents, which he believes could be curbed by regulatory re-training for licence holders. "People aren't paying attention to what they're seeing, or they're thinking of other things rather than driving trucks," said Clarke. "There's height labelling on all of the overpasses as to what height is, but most of the incidents are of people who haven't even measured the load that they're carrying." No overpass strikes have resulted in arrests or criminal charges, including in the Sept. 19 crash on Highway 1 at Dollarton Highway, where the driver fled. They have yet to be located. The company, Whistler 99 Courier and Freightways Corporation, is back on the road after being suspended for just over a week. They were fined $3,500. '100 per cent attention' Clarke's school has a fleet of semi-trailers and trains about 150 students a year under B.C.'s Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT), a pre-requisite for a Class 1 drivers licence that came into effect in 2021. B.C. was among the provinces to institute the program in the wake of the tragic 2018 Humboldt Broncos crash. "It's a full-time effort to drive these things and keep people around you safe," said Clarke. "It takes 100 per cent attention." Lifelong truck driver Doug Clark founded Over the Road Driving School in Langley, B.C., 10 years ago. (Jon Hernandez/CBC) He says the overpass strikes are the result of missing basic, fundamental principles of truck driving: measuring your load and planning your route. "The planning has to be how high is the load, that's number one ... second one is what route will I take that will allow me to go under it," he said. "It's got to be a complete plan." Clarke says it's often veteran drivers who have developed bad habits over time that can be hazards on the road. He says many often apply for instructor roles at his school but don't have the skills to pass modern road tests. "I would be quite surprised if the ones that are hitting the overpasses aren't the long-time drivers," he said. One way to ensure standards remain high, Clarke says, is to have mandatory re-training for Class 1 licence holders every few years, similar to commercial pilots. He also says increased fines and penalties for carriers could help deter reckless behaviour on the roads. Stiffer fines coming On Monday, B.C.'s Transportation Minister Rob Fleming was asked if the province would consider such re-training, to which he responded the province has been meeting regularly with industry stakeholders on potential solutions. "We've explained to them that we are moving ahead with stiffer, steeper fines," he said. "There's been huge economic sanctions of companies that have run afoul of the law." A dump truck hit the Number 3 Road overpass on Highway 1 in Abbotsford, B.C., in May 2023. (Abbotsford Police Department/Twitter) Fleming said while the vast majority of trucks on B.C. roads make their destinations safely, the number of violations has still proved frustrating. "It's causing all kinds of congestion problems. It's giving the industry a bad name, an industry that delivers tens of thousands of containers across the province," he added. "It just takes a few outliers to create this problem that's now very visible beyond its very rare circumstances." https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/semi-trucks-bc-drivers-tickets-1.7014081 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted November 8, 2023 Author Share Posted November 8, 2023 Update on repairs to one of the overpass strikes: Quote Highway 17A in Delta repairs start Thursday after summer overpass strike A truck hit the Highway 17A overpass above Highway 99 in Delta on July 18, 2023. (Courtesy DriveBC) By James Paracy and Raynaldo Suarez Posted November 7, 2023 11:12 pm. Last Updated November 7, 2023 11:15 pm. The B.C. government says permanent repairs start on Thursday for the Delta overpass that was damaged after being struck by a truck in the summer. A truck hit the Highway 17A overpass above Highway 99 on July 18, leading to brutal delays and road closures lasting until a day after the collision. The province says the work will take up to eight weeks and mostly take place during the evenings, causing detours and partial lane closures during the process. It says drivers can expect a southbound closure on Highway 99 from Friday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. until Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m., as well as a full closure of the damaged side of the Highway 17A overpass over Highway 99 running from Friday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. until repairs are complete. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/11/07/delta-highway-17a-overpass-repairs/ Xitter post in case it doesn't come through on the quoted article: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 2 minutes ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said: Update on repairs to one of the overpass strikes: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/11/07/delta-highway-17a-overpass-repairs/ Xitter post in case it doesn't come through on the quoted article: This province is so poorly run. These repairs should have been performed far sooner than they have been. Will the province do anything to deal with the issues in the trucking industry or are they afraid to shake that hornet's nest? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 On 10/27/2023 at 11:24 AM, 6of1_halfdozenofother said: The trucking industry strikes back! https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/10/27/bc-trucking-overpass-drivers/ The incompetent come to the defense of the incompetent. All the drivers in BC who actually care about being safe and effective drivers should seek better representation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Long Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 5 minutes ago, PhillipBlunt said: This province is so poorly run. These repairs should have been performed far sooner than they have been. Will the province do anything to deal with the issues in the trucking industry or are they afraid to shake that hornet's nest? Don't worry Phil it's only been 6 years, give them time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 2 minutes ago, Bob Long said: Don't worry Phil it's only been 6 years, give them time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goal_thecup Posted November 8, 2023 Share Posted November 8, 2023 On 10/3/2023 at 5:19 PM, 6of1_halfdozenofother said: Can I stick with headbanging instead? Doesn't count if there's no gash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted November 9, 2023 Author Share Posted November 9, 2023 On 11/8/2023 at 10:51 AM, PhillipBlunt said: This province is so poorly run. These repairs should have been performed far sooner than they have been. Will the province do anything to deal with the issues in the trucking industry or are they afraid to shake that hornet's nest? Well, whaddaya know Phil - the province is being asked to delay the repairs. Quote Delta business group asks province to delay overpass repairs An overpass in Delta was struck by a truck in July 2023. (CityNews Image) By Pippa Norman Posted November 9, 2023 12:12 pm. The Delta Chamber of Commerce is asking the provincial government not to move ahead with planned repairs of an overpass before the holidays. The business group says the work on the Highway 17A overpass on Highway 99, south of the Massey Tunnel, will create bigger delays at an already-busy time. It says it fears the work could hurt businesses in Ladner, Tilbury, and surrounding areas hoping to score big in the lead-in to the holidays. The overpass was damaged on July 18, when an over-height vehicle struck the underpass, ripping up steel, concrete, and wiring as it went. The repairs were supposed to begin Thursday evening, but Delta Chamber Board Chair Rosanne Horner released a statement Thursday morning asking the Ministry of Transportation and Highways to push the start date to Jan. 2, 2024. “While the permanent overpass fix will benefit the majority in the long run, delaying this repair by 46 days to save businesses is an acceptable compromise for those impacted,” Horner wrote. Once initiated, the repairs will intermittently force partial and full closures of sections of Highway 99 and Highway 17A for at least eight weeks. If postponed, Horner says residents and businesses will have more time to complete holiday shopping, attend holiday gatherings, and ensure local businesses can receive the goods they need during the busy shopping season. Horner says the ministry should also consider working with TransLink during construction to increase public transit service frequency to the affected area. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/11/09/delta-overpass-repairs-delay-commerce/ Of course, it's the local chamber of commerce that's asking for the delay. Something something holiday shopping season something something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillipBlunt Posted November 9, 2023 Share Posted November 9, 2023 16 minutes ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said: Well, whaddaya know Phil - the province is being asked to delay the repairs. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/11/09/delta-overpass-repairs-delay-commerce/ Of course, it's the local chamber of commerce that's asking for the delay. Something something holiday shopping season something something. The province is run by abject morons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted November 10, 2023 Author Share Posted November 10, 2023 Aaaaaaand, repairs bumped. Quote Delta Highway 17A overpass repairs delayed: ministry An overpass in Delta was struck by a truck in July 2023. (CityNews Image) By Pippa Norman Posted November 9, 2023 6:02 pm. The provincial government has rescheduled repairs of a Delta overpass to the new year, after calls made by community members. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced Thursday evening it will push repairs to the Highway 17A overpass on Highway 99, south of the Massey Tunnel, to prevent traffic impacts during the holiday season. “After hearing of additional concerns about traffic impacts over the holiday season, we’re taking our cue from those most affected by construction and are delaying this work until the new year,” the ministry said in a statement. The Mayor of Delta and the Delta Chamber of Commerce released statements on Thursday asking the ministry not to go ahead with the proposed work. It said it feared the required road closures could hurt businesses in Ladner, Tilbury, and surrounding areas hoping to score big in the lead-in to the holidays. “This delay will support our businesses during the busy season and allow ministry staff, city staff, TransLink, and community stakeholders to work together on finding alternative routes to mitigate traffic concerns,” said George V. Harvie, mayor of Delta. The overpass was damaged on July 18, when an over-height vehicle struck the underpass, ripping up steel, concrete, and wiring as it went. Repairs will be extensive and involve demolition and girder installation, the ministry states. To accommodate the rescheduling, the work will now be done over a 12-week period instead of the initial eight-week plan, to allow for winter weather. The new estimated completion date is now early April, which was an important timeline identified by local farmers, the ministry states. “The Highway 17A overpass is a critical connection for our community, especially our agricultural community. I look forward to the completion of repairs in time for the increased farming activity in the spring,” Harvie said. The repairs were supposed to begin Thursday evening, but the ministry has now pushed the start date to January 2024. A more specific repair schedule will be communicated closer to the start date. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/11/09/delta-overpass-repairs-delayed/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted December 3, 2023 Author Share Posted December 3, 2023 Update on the North Van head-bashing: Quote Truck driver involved in North Van overpass crash fired, company says The Main Street overpass in North Vancouver after a crash in September. (CityNews Image) By Sonia Aslam Posted December 2, 2023 4:51 pm. Last Updated December 2, 2023 5:00 pm. More than two months since a truck driver slammed into the Main Street overpass in North Vancouver causing damage and heavy traffic delays, CityNews has learned he’s been fired. The company involved, Whistler Courier & Freightways, confirmed the driver was let go shortly after the incident took place on Sept. 19th. "His employment was terminated soon after the incident,” it said in a statement. The company previously stated two employees had faced disciplinary action following the incident, but never elaborated beyond that. On Thursday, CityNews reported on the uncertainty around which agency was actively trying to find the driver, who fled the scene following the crash. When pressed, North Vancouver RCMP told CityNews it was not talking about the case. “As previously stated, we are not in a position to speak further or provide more details than what has already been shared,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak. Sahak did not say why Mounties are no longer talking about the case. The RCMP previously said it had closed the hit-and-run investigation and would consider re-opening it if new information about the driver surfaced. At the time of the crash, police issued the company involved a violation ticket worth $368 for failing to remain at the scene of an accident. A truck collided with the Main Street overpass in North Vancouver heading toward the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (Courtesy Twitter/@MillerCapilano4) The Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) department was leading the case, but says it’s not responsible for finding the driver. Adding, it’s focus was only ever on the carrier and its “responsibilities under the Motor Vehicle Act/Regulation.” It says any further questions about the driver fall to the RCMP. Whistler Courier & Freightways says it’s “mystified” about “the lack of effort to locate the driver.” In late October, Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said the government knew the driver’s identity, but said efforts to locate him were the responsibility of the RCMP. Soon after the crash, the provincial government said the “carrier/driver” did not have a permit when the truck hit the overpass. The company faced a temporary suspension that was lifted on Sept. 27 and was fined a total of $3,500. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/12/02/north-vancouver-overpass-crash-driver-fired/ Before you know it, the traffic cops will be carting out the ol' "national security" excuse for not discussing the file any further. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted December 14, 2023 Author Share Posted December 14, 2023 Quote B.C. to announce rules to prevent overpass strikes A truck strikes the Cambie Road overpass above Knight Street in Richmond, B.C. on February 10, 2023. (CityNews Image) By James Paracy Posted December 13, 2023 9:50 pm. Last Updated December 14, 2023 6:24 am. The B.C. government is expected to announce a new set of rules Thursday to help prevent vehicles from hitting overpasses along the province’s highways. There have been several overpass strikes on the Lower Mainland in 2023, with North Vancouver seeing one of these collisions as recently as September. Overpass strikes often cause significant traffic delays and damage that is both expensive and time-consuming to repair. Open Gallery17 items After September’s overpass strike, the BC Trucking Association demanded the province be more transparent about incidents in which large vehicles hit public infrastructure. According to the province, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming is making the announcement alongside the BC Trucking Association’s president and CEO, Dave Earle. In July, the trucking association called for the province to be more transparent about incidents in which large vehicles hit public infrastructure. That call came after a flatbed truck carrying an excavator crashing into the 192 Street overpass on Highway 1 in Surrey, which sent two people to hospital. Earle at the time told CityNews that his organization works closely with B.C.’s transportation ministry, but is frustrated because it doesn’t receive specific details about the incidents. “We don’t get that information to say, ‘These are where the errors are being made, these are where the decisions being made are wrong.’ We need to know that to better educate the industry, and work with the ministry to enforce the existing regulations to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” he said earlier this year. The province hasn’t provided any further details on these rules so far, other than mentioning the announcement would cover “tougher action coming to reduce infrastructure crashes involving commercial vehicles.” The announcement is scheduled for 12 p.m. Thursday. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/12/13/bc-truck-overpass-rules/ Cautiously optimistic something good will come out of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted December 14, 2023 Author Share Posted December 14, 2023 Update from today's media gathering: Quote B.C. trucking rules amended to increase fines, penalties for overpass crashes The Main Street overpass in North Vancouver. (CityNews Image) By Hana Mae Nassar and Cole Schisler Posted December 14, 2023 12:30 pm. Last Updated December 14, 2023 3:25 pm. B.C. says it is taking tougher action to reduce the number of overpass and infrastructure crashes involving large trucks, with increased fines and penalties. Amendments to regulations under the Commercial Transport and Motor Vehicle acts will take effect in June 2024. “So, the fines were — I think everybody would agree — ridiculously low and rarely issued,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming said Thursday. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming speaks to media on Thursday December 14, 2023. (CityNews Image) “The new fines for offences related to over-height loads will more than quadruple to be the highest in Canada.” The province notes that, while new fines will be the highest in the country, “amounts are currently limited by legislation.” It says it is reviewing potential legislative changes to allow for higher fines in the future. Most of the changes will target repeat offenders who, Fleming says, will see escalating penalties. A Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement vehicle on display on Thursday December 14, 2023. (CItyNews Image) Other changes include mandating new technical requirements, including warning devices for dump trucks and speed limiter technology on commercial trucks, in B.C., a more “robust” enforcement framework, and the possibility that licences be pulled for companies that are repeatedly involved in infrastructure crashes. “This includes outright cancellation of their carrier safety certificate, which would effectively prevent the company from operating in B.C. and with that all the financial implications that would bring. It’s a strong message to those very, very few carriers involved in these crashes. Carelessness and complacency is going to cost [them],” Fleming explained. He adds “prevention is key,” which is why the province is imposing “new technical requirements to help avoid infrastructure collisions.” Fines for speed-limiter non-compliance and tampering are being set at $295 and three driver penalty points. Over-height vehicle related fines are rising from $115 to $575, while non-compliance with in-cab warning devices for dump trucks will result in a fine of $598. The amendments and new rules were made with collaboration from the BC Trucking Association, which says it welcomes and supports the moves. BC Trucking Association supports changes Dave Earle, CEO and president of the association, notes it’s “only a few outliers” who are involved in these types of crashes. He adds this is why the new enforcement strategy is focused on “those outliers.” “We’ll continue to work with the ministry. We applaud them for bringing in speed limiters beginning next year for commercial vehicles. We know from data and other jurisdictions these have a demonstrable effect to improve road safety,” Earle said. “We know that better training helps create better drivers, and we’ve had mandatory entry-level training in British Columbia for a couple of years now. And we’re working on more, both on the federal level and on the provincial level, to continue to improve driver training and improve onboarding practices to ensure that these incidents don’t happen again.” There have been several overpass strikes on the Lower Mainland in 2023, with North Vancouver seeing one of these collisions as recently as September. Overpass strikes often lead to significant traffic delays, as well as damage that is both expensive and time-consuming to repair. According to provincial data, there have been 30 overpass strikes across B.C. since 2021. Earle says while the fines are an important part of the changes, it’s the suspension of certificates that will really have an impact. “The suspension of the ability to operate, which means right now, you’re not running, your parked. That’s thousands of dollars a day per truck, and it’s the entire fleet. So these are really, really significant, immediate consequences for these types of incidents. And that’s why we’re very pleased to be working with the ministry on this,” he said Thursday. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/12/14/bc-trucking-overpass-crash-action/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alflives Posted December 14, 2023 Share Posted December 14, 2023 4 minutes ago, 6of1_halfdozenofother said: Update from today's media gathering: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/12/14/bc-trucking-overpass-crash-action/ Seriously we shouldn’t need laws to govern this kind of stupidity. The clearance heights are posted on the friggin’ overpasses. Drivers should know the height of their load. If a driver is too stupid to figure that then they should get their license pulled. Zero tolerance. 99.9 % of big truck drivers are the best of the best on the roads. Dumperoo the stupid ones. It’s not that many. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Long Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 6 minutes ago, Alflives said: Seriously we shouldn’t need laws to govern this kind of stupidity. The clearance heights are posted on the friggin’ overpasses. Drivers should know the height of their load. If a driver is too stupid to figure that then they should get their license pulled. Zero tolerance. 99.9 % of big truck drivers are the best of the best on the roads. Dumperoo the stupid ones. It’s not that many. its not, but man can they do some damage. I drive the 99N a lot, and every so often you get one of these idiots doing 120+ on 80km stretches. One ran over the Furry Creek sign a while back. We need to come down very hard on the owners of trucking companies, like jail time, otherwise they won't ensure guys are properly trained or the few bad ones fired. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnarcore Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 (edited) 5 hours ago, Bob Long said: its not, but man can they do some damage. I drive the 99N a lot, and every so often you get one of these idiots doing 120+ on 80km stretches. One ran over the Furry Creek sign a while back. We need to come down very hard on the owners of trucking companies, like jail time, otherwise they won't ensure guys are properly trained or the few bad ones fired. I won't say how fast I ride my bike on that highway when it isn't busy....but yes the traffic and speeds on it are crazy at times. Edited December 15, 2023 by Gnarcore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Long Posted December 15, 2023 Share Posted December 15, 2023 Just now, Gnarcore said: I won't say how fast I ride my bike on that highway when it isn't busy.... Oh man, be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gurn Posted December 23, 2023 Share Posted December 23, 2023 https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/truck-carrying-gas-hits-railroad-bridge-and-explodes-as-a-train-passes-overhead/ar-AA1lUKae?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=bda0f448547644bf847b919aa72f5eca&ei=20 " GLENVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — A tractor-trailer loaded with what authorities believe were gas containers slammed into the bottom of an overhead railroad bridge in upstate New York and exploded Thursday night as a freight train was traveling on the tracks above. The crash seriously injured the truck driver and briefly knocked out power to local homes and businesses. At about 6:30 p.m, the truck hit the bridge in Glenville, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Albany. Police said the driver apparently failed to heed signs warning that the height clearance was 10 feet (3 meters). Video and news photos from the scene showed flames shooting into the sky as the wrecked truck was stuck under the bridge and nearly tipped over. Officials believe it was carrying containers of compressed natural gas. Authorities said there was no major damage reported to the train, which did not stop. “The first thought was ‘god forbid if there is a fatality here,’" Christopher Koetzle, the Glenville town supervisor, told reporters at the scene. “This is something we feared for years. This is obviously the most significant hit we’ve had to our bridges." “It should invoke more discussion on this absolutely,” he continued. The same bridge was struck by vehicles five times earlier this year, The Daily Gazette reported. Police said multiple homes near the crash site were evacuated as a precaution, and most homes and businesses on the east side of town lost power for about two hours. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted December 24, 2023 Author Share Posted December 24, 2023 On 12/22/2023 at 8:09 PM, Gurn said: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/truck-carrying-gas-hits-railroad-bridge-and-explodes-as-a-train-passes-overhead/ar-AA1lUKae?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=bda0f448547644bf847b919aa72f5eca&ei=20 " GLENVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — A tractor-trailer loaded with what authorities believe were gas containers slammed into the bottom of an overhead railroad bridge in upstate New York and exploded Thursday night as a freight train was traveling on the tracks above. The crash seriously injured the truck driver and briefly knocked out power to local homes and businesses. At about 6:30 p.m, the truck hit the bridge in Glenville, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Albany. Police said the driver apparently failed to heed signs warning that the height clearance was 10 feet (3 meters). Video and news photos from the scene showed flames shooting into the sky as the wrecked truck was stuck under the bridge and nearly tipped over. Officials believe it was carrying containers of compressed natural gas. Authorities said there was no major damage reported to the train, which did not stop. “The first thought was ‘god forbid if there is a fatality here,’" Christopher Koetzle, the Glenville town supervisor, told reporters at the scene. “This is something we feared for years. This is obviously the most significant hit we’ve had to our bridges." “It should invoke more discussion on this absolutely,” he continued. The same bridge was struck by vehicles five times earlier this year, The Daily Gazette reported. Police said multiple homes near the crash site were evacuated as a precaution, and most homes and businesses on the east side of town lost power for about two hours. I'm not too surprised the train went undamaged, but I wonder about the bridge's structural integrity at this point, partly due to the number of strikes this year alone and partially due to the cooking with natural gas happening. It's a wonder this didn't end in a fatality. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6of1_halfdozenofother Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Quote Truck hits Delta overpass on Highway 99 leaving ‘significant damage’: MoT Another Lower Mainland overpass was hit by a large truck in 2023, this time at 112 Street over Highway 99 in Delta on Dec. 28. (Courtesy X/Gregory Cruse) By Hana Mae Nassar Posted December 28, 2023 12:39 pm. Last Updated December 28, 2023 2:58 pm. A truck has hit a Lower Mainland overpass, this time in Delta. Firefighters confirm the 112th Street overpass was hit in the southbound lanes of Highway 99, between Ladner Trunk Road and Highway 91, just after noon Thursday. Crews say two vehicles, one of them being a semi, were involved in the incident, with no injuries reported. Traffic heading south is blocked at the overpass and backing up. DriveBC says traffic on the overpass is also blocked in both directions as crews assess the scene. The highway closure is expected to last several hours. You can take the Ladner Trunk Road exit at Highway 99, following it east to either Highway 91 or King George Boulevard, as an alternate route. Company suspended pending investigation: Ministry In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said it was “frustrating to hear that another commercial vehicle driver” had crashed into the overpass, which it notes sustained “significant damage.” “The RCMP and CVSE are on the scene on Highway 99 at 112th Street and further details around the circumstances of the crash and any injuries aren’t yet available,” the statement, issued just after 2 p.m., said. “CVSE is suspending the company’s ability to operate in B.C. while the investigation is underway, which will likely cost the company tens of thousands of dollars. CVSE will name the company as soon as they’ve been officially notified of suspension.” There have been a series of overpasses hit by trucks in the region over the past year. The most recent was about 40 days ago. Province to bring in new enforcement Just earlier this month, the province announced tougher action to reduce the number of overpass and infrastructure crashes involving large trucks, with increased fines and penalties. Amendments to regulations under the Commercial Transport and Motor Vehicle acts will take effect in June 2024. “We know that the vast majority of commercial drivers in B.C. operate safely and responsibly. However, incidents like this are why we’re taking tougher action to deter commercial vehicle collisions with bridges, overpasses or other highway infrastructure,” the Ministry of Transportation said Thursday. The ministry notes these kinds of incidents “have a huge impact,” not just on commuters, but also on first responders and the movement of goods and services. “This issue needs to stop. That’s why we have increased fines and are grounding fleets through suspensions, so highway traffic keeps moving safely and reliably for travellers and commercial vehicles, and people can count on their commute,” the ministry added. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/12/28/delta-overpass-highway-99/ Embedded xits as follows: 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.