Paragraph 1: Tragedy on Highway 19A
In the pre-dawn hours of March 2nd, 2024, a devastating collision unfolded on Highway 19A near Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. A minivan, driven by a 36-year-old woman, veered off the road and struck a power pole. The woman sustained serious injuries. Witnessing the accident, 80-year-old Patrick Hare, a Good Samaritan from Red Deer, Alberta, stopped to render aid. Tragically, a third vehicle, driven by 29-year-old Jordan Pardiac of Coombs, B.C., crashed into the scene, fatally injuring Hare and further injuring the minivan driver. Both were rushed to the hospital, but Hare succumbed to his injuries in a Victoria hospital. This incident underscores the inherent dangers present on highways, even for those with the best intentions.
Paragraph 2: Charges Laid Against Impaired Driver
Following a thorough investigation by the BC Highway Patrol, six charges have been filed against Jordan Pardiac. These charges include dangerous driving causing death and operating a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by both alcohol and cocaine. This highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence, not only for the driver but also for innocent victims and those who selflessly attempt to assist others in need. The combination of alcohol and cocaine impairment likely contributed to Pardiac’s inability to react appropriately and avoid the collision, leading to the tragic loss of life.
Paragraph 3: Dangers of Roadside Assistance
This tragic incident brings to light the risks associated with providing roadside assistance. While commendable, stopping to help at the scene of an accident can be extremely dangerous, as highlighted by Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the BC Highway Patrol. He notes "repeated incidents" of individuals being injured or killed while attempting to help following a collision. Highways, by their nature, are high-speed environments with unpredictable traffic patterns, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. The presence of damaged vehicles, debris, and potentially disoriented or injured individuals further increases the risks to those stopping to assist.
Paragraph 4: Safety Recommendations for Roadside Assistance
While acknowledging the compassionate impulse to help, the BC Highway Patrol urges extreme caution. Before stopping to assist, individuals should assess their own safety and preparedness. This includes ensuring they have appropriate reflective clothing for visibility, sturdy footwear for navigating uneven terrain, and the physical capability to provide meaningful assistance. Often, the safest course of action is to immediately contact emergency services via 911 and wait for trained professionals to arrive. This allows dispatchers to assess the situation, deploy appropriate resources, and provide guidance to those at the scene.
Paragraph 5: Alternative Courses of Action and Prioritizing Safety
In situations involving minor collisions, occupants may be safer remaining in their vehicles with seatbelts fastened until help arrives. This provides a degree of protection from oncoming traffic. However, if individuals have already exited their vehicles, the priority should be to move away from the roadway and any potential hazards. Finding a safe location away from traffic flow minimizes the risk of further incidents. This could involve moving to the shoulder of the road, behind a guardrail, or even further away from the highway if possible and safe to do so.
Paragraph 6: Another Tragic Incident Underscoring Roadside Dangers
Adding another layer of tragedy to this issue, a separate incident occurred in June 2024 where a 70-year-old man lost his life while assisting at the scene of a school bus accident on Highway 97 near Lac La Hache in the B.C. Interior. The man was struck by an SUV whose driver’s visibility was obscured by a bend in the road. While no criminality was involved in this particular case, it underscores the inherent dangers present on highways and the importance of maximizing visibility and awareness for both drivers and those providing assistance. These tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with good intentions on highways, emphasizing the need for caution, preparedness, and prioritizing personal safety when considering providing roadside assistance.
