A driver had a lucky escape on Richmond’s so-called “Misery Mile” Monday evening after his car spun off River Road and into the Fraser River.
Just before 5:30 p.m., Richmond RCMP were called to the 22000 block of River Road - close to its intersection with Westminster Highway in east Richmond - for a report of a vehicle in the river.
According to police, a green, late 1990s model Honda was discovered partially submerged in the water.
The driver, a 31-year old male from Delta, was able escape from the vehicle and, reportedly, sustained only minor injuries.
Speed is being considered as a factor in this incident. It’s alleged the driver lost control of his car while overtaking another vehicle on a stretch of road which has seen more than its fair share of tragedy over the last few years.
Last year, the News reported how, in the last, eastern-most mile of River Road alone, there have been six, driving-related deaths from 2013 to 2017.
As such, that area of River Road has received enhanced police education and enforcement in recent months, with 35 speeding tickets being handed out over four operational days.
Workers in the area have repeatedly called for safety improvements between No. 7 Road and Westminster Highway, after having to pull stricken drivers from spun-out cars, often over-turned in water-filled ditches.
And contrary to what the majority of area residents wanted, the City of Richmond was planning this spring to install 20 “cushioned” speed humps on the exact same section of road in a bid to alleviate major safety issues.
However, local residents have continued to pile pressure on Richmond city council and last week, at city council’s public works committee, it was decided to delay any changes to the road until after more police enforcement measures through to the end of the summer.
City staff will then further examine safety measures, other than speed cushions and report back.
One of the aforementioned deaths was that of 33-year-old cyclist Brad Dean, who was killed in November 2016 after his cycling group was allegedly hit head-on by a car driven by Michael Wing Sing Fan.
A year later, Fan, much to the dismay and disgust of Dean’s family, was only charged with driving without due care and attention and has yet to make a plea in court.
He is scheduled to appear back in Richmond Provincial Court on Wednesday.
