Pitt Meadows firefighters had to extricate a driver after a collision between a van and a farm vehicle on Tuesday morning.
At 9:43 a.m., first responders were called to a crash in the 14300 block of Neaves Road, where a GMC panel van had collided with the rear of a trailer hauling farm equipment, which was being pulled by a tractor.
The point of impact was the right, front section of the van, and the damage caused “lots of intrusion into the passenger compartment of the van,” said assistant fire chief Rob Chatton.
The van’s driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was extricated from the wreckage, having suffered minor injuries, said Chatton.
“It was surprising there were not more serious injuries, but he was wearing a seatbelt, which helped,” said Chatton.
The van driver was taken to hospital for treatment.
The operator of the tractor also complained of pain.
The cause of the accident, which occurred on a flat, straight stretch of road, has not been determined. The van was passing the tractor and trailer on the left when the accident took place.
Morning commuters often must share the roads with farm machinery in northern Pitt Meadows. Chatton said the tractor was displaying a proper “slow vehicle” sign, and had amber flashing lights on the trailer.
Pedestrian safety
There has been a rash of pedestrian accidents in the province, as five people were killed in a span of 11 days in November. It prompted the B.C. Coroner’s Service to urge motorists to watch out for pedestrians, particularly when making left-hand turns.
Three of the pedestrian fatalities were in the Lower Mainland, and two in the Okanagan.
Pitt Meadows assistant fire chief Rob Chatton said both pedestrians and drivers need to be more aware of this issue, and of the diminished visibility during rush hours during this darker season.
Because drivers can have their attention divided between other vehicles, road signs and lights, pedestrians need to make sure they make eye contact with drivers before venturing into a crosswalk, said Chatton.
“Both parties are responsible to look for each other – make eye contact,” he said. “Pedestrians need to know it’s safe for them to cross the street, and use the crosswalk.
“It’s a two-way street.”