Charges laid in October vehicle

collision with wildlife near Keremeos

Keremeos
2015-12-16 13:28 PST
File # 2015-4334
Charges have been laid against two BC drivers, as a result a motor vehicle collision with
a herd of Big Horn Sheep on Hwy 3, near Keremeos this past October.
On October 1st at around 4:00 p.m. the South Okanagan Traffic Services received a
report of a collision involving multiple vehicles and a herd of Big Horn sheep on Highway
3 West of Keremeos. At the time of the collision, westbound vehicles had stopped for a
herd of 12 Big Horn Sheep crossing Hwy 3, in the four lane 100 kph zone to the east of
Standing Rock. As the westbound vehicles were stopped, an eastbound Ford F250
pickup truck operated by a 56 year old male and a Dodge Ram Pick Up operated by a
75 year old male both failed to stop for the crossing sheep, killing five and injuring two
other animals. Some of the sheep were thrown from the impact into the stopped
westbound vehicles damaging same. Neither driver of the eastbound vehicles stopped
at the scene. Since the date of the collision, an active investigation continued in efforts
to locate and identify the drivers involved.
The joint investigation by the RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services and the BC
Conservation Officer Service resulted in both vehicles being located and the respective
drivers identified.
Charges under the Motor Vehicle Act of Failing to Report Accidental Killing of Wildlife on
Highway, Failing to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, and Drive Without
Consideration of Others have been laid. Both drivers held a valid BC drivers license.
This tragic collision is a grim reminder that as drivers we need to do our part in safe
guarding the wildlife in our communities. When you see highway signs advising you of
wildlife being in the area, please heed to the warnings and drive with caution. Stated Cpl
Dan Moskaluk