Is the 67 km Westside Road a Dangerous Route? A Grim Chronicle of Motor Vehicle Deaths
For years, the 67 km Westside Road, which follows the northwestern shore of Okanagan Lake from Spallumcheen to Kelowna, has earned a reputation as a treacherous route. Too many incidents have unfolded along this perilous highway, leaving behind a tragic legacy of lives lost and families shattered.
VIDEO OF DRIVE ALONG THE OKANAGANS WESTSIDE ROAD
Westside Road was once labeled British Columbia's most dangerous drive. A BCAA driver survey gave it that title for two years in a row (2012-2013). It slipped to second place in 2014.
Despite significant investments of taxpayer money, the road continues to exact a heavy toll and remains an unforgiving and exceedingly dangerous route.
While some sections have undergone improvements, as evident in striking before-and-after videos, other segments remain treacherous.
The government of British Columbia has made promises and embarked on various projects to address the dangers of Westside Road. However, for many, these efforts have been piecemeal, failing to provide a comprehensive solution.
The list of tragic incidents along Westside Road serves as a grim testament to its dangers.
Here are a few tragic examples:
Laticia Watson: In June 2023, Laticia Watson's vehicle crashed near Trader's Cove, rolling into Okanagan Lake. The challenging conditions hindered immediate recovery efforts.
Noelle Teal: On October 15, the 20-year-old woman tragically collided with a truck south of Lake Okanagan Resort, succumbing to her injuries.
Tragic Incidents of the Past:
From the fatal collision involving a grey sports utility vehicle in 2021 to motorcycle accidents in 2012 and 2011, which claimed the lives of David Allan Thomas Hall, Ronda Zawada, and Mr. and Mrs. Thor, these incidents serve as haunting reminders of the risks posed by Westside Road.
Despite the dire circumstances, there is the historical significance of Westside Road.
The route was used by the Syilx Indigenous people for thousands of years, later becoming a path for fur traders in the early 1800s, and eventually facilitated cattle transportation.
It wasn't until the early 1920s that the road was widened, allowing wagons to traverse its path.
One one hand while navigating Westside Road as it winds close to steep banks poses a serious risk to drivers for others those very curves are a draw, IE motorcycle enthusiasts.
Tourism Kelowna even promotes it as "the tail of the Ogopogo," highlighting its 330 curves and elevation changes.
The government of British Columbia has made sporadic improvements to the road over the years, with initiatives in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018. However, these measures have failed to address the overall safety concerns comprehensively.
As Westside Road continues to claim lives and pose risks, it stands as a stark reminder that promises and partial solutions are not enough.
A more comprehensive and sustainable approach to upgrading this treacherous stretch of highway is urgently needed.
Links to Government of British Columbia announcements on improvements to the North Okanagan's Westside Road:
BC gov before and after of one improved section of Westside Road (2018):https://youtu.be/_JAcxrZSjLg
Is Westside Road Dangerous?
Comments