I have lived on Vancouver Island for 25 years and have logged many kilometres on its highways and many hours waiting for accident scenes to clear.
All serious accidents require full investigation with full regard for those involved. What I question is the amount of time these on-site investigations take and how long the highways are closed to accommodate them. Given the sheer number of mishaps that routinely occur, these investigations should be a much quicker drill than they are.
I am told that the police can be sued if a full and competent investigation does not take place. If lengthening the process beyond necessity for some reason lends credibility, then the courts, the police and the legal profession need to review it with an eye to a little more respect for the public.
Wreckage can be cleared quickly, interviews do not require traffic closure, and skid marks and other factors can be photographed and video-recorded in minutes. What takes so long?
I have compassion for those directly involved, but being stuck for hours behind an accident scene can seriously disrupt the lives and plans of others. This fact should receive more consideration than it gets. Major traffic arteries are the lifeline of the Island, and closures should be minimized.
R.F. Graham
Saanich
