Two people involved in a three-vehicle crash that shut down the northbound lanes of the Patricia Bay Highway for hours on Thursday remain in hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the motorcycle, a 47-year-old Parksville man, suffered severe head injuries, while the passenger, a 43yearold Courtenay woman, has serious chest injuries.
The two were thrown from the motorcycle after the driver stopped hard to avoid a crash. A car had stopped to avoid congestion and was rear-ended by a pickup.
The two riders rolled onto the road and under the truck's wheels.
Saanich police say driver inattention is believed to be a factor.
The collision is still under investigation by the traffic safety unit and no charges have been laid.
The crash came a day after Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom and municipal politicians announced $3 million in safety upgrades to the highway near the intersection at Sayward Road - where 169 northbound rear-end collisions occurred over a five-year period.
The accident occurred near where congestion warning signals are being installed south of Cordova Bay Road.
It is hoped the flashing signals will stop people from following too close and speeding.
