Cpl. Dave Cooper of the Deer Lake RCMP said police officers try to attend as many highway collisions as possible.
However, in situations where it’s a minor accident with a vehicle still upright, if that vehicle is not blocking traffic or there are no injuries reported, there are times police will not attend.
Cooper said there was an accident reported near the Pynn’s Brook weight scales on Sunday and police attended, with the driver still on the scene. The vehicle was left there until it could be towed as it was not hindering traffic.
He said there was another accident near the same location on Monday that police attended and yet another reported at about 10 a.m. near The Jackladder Gas Station in the Bonne Bay Pond area.
Cooper said the one near The Jackladder involved a rollover with the vehicle ending up on its roof. In that one both RCMP members and Emergency Services members attended.
He said whenever there is a rollover police will attend as there is a good chance it will involve injuries. He said for most highway accidents they will try to attend as they often involve speed.
“If a driver just drives into a median, we’ll (police) attend if possible. The onus is on the driver to report the accident if damages are over $2,000,” Cooper said.
He said the reasoning for police trying to get out to accidents on the highway, even if the driver reports he/she is okay, is that the person might not know he/she is injured at the time.
