Two motor vehicle incidents between the hours of 7 and 8 AM this morning had Saanich Police urging the public to be cautious in the heavy rainfall.
The first of the two incidents occurred shortly after 7AM at the intersection of Quadra Street and the on ramp to proceed northbound on Highway 17 (Pat Bay Highway).
The driver of a Mazda initiated a left turn, crossing traffic to access the highway, striking a motor scooter that had been driving northbound on Quadra Street. The driver of the motor scooter, a 44 year old Victoria resident, was transported to hospital with minor lower leg injuries.
Heavy rainfall at the time of the accident was likely a factor that led to the accident as the driver of the car indicated that they had not seen the other vehicle. No charges were laid in this incident.
A second incident occurred shortly before 8AM in the 1000 block of Mckenzie Avenue.
A Ford Explorer was observed by witnesses to be travelling westbound on Mckenzie Avenue. The vehicle crossed over the eastbound lanes, travelled over the curb and sidewalk, and through a grass yard before coming to rest against the Telus building at the corner of the intersection of Mckenzie and Quadra Street.
Investigation into the second incident is still ongoing. The lone occupant of the vehicle, a 32 year old male, was taken into custody under suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
Thankfully, there were no injuries that resulted from this second incident. There was no obvious damage to the brick wall struck by the vehicle and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
Saanich Police would like to remind all drivers to slow down and be on a heightened awareness when driving during extreme weather conditions.
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158