A family of four on Vancouver Island experienced a life-altering event that has left them shaken but deeply grateful for the outpouring of support they received.
On Monday night, Garrett Moore, Alla Korotenko and their two children were involved in a serious car accident on Old Island Highway in Black Creek, near Clever Crow Farm.
In the aftermath, they had time to reflect on the incident and the invaluable assistance they received and felt it’s important to share their experience—not only to express their gratitude but also to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to the Comox Valley RCMP for more information on the incident, including whether the truck driver was ticketed. We will update this story once we receive a response.
Below is their account of what happened, along with a message they hope will encourage others to be more responsible on the road.
Letter to the buzz:
I wanted to reach out to the community and express our utmost gratitude to everyone who helped us after our horrific accident on Monday night on Old Island Highway in Black Creek, near Clever Crow Farm. Special thanks go to the nearby residents who came running to assist, the people who pulled over, and the first responders, ER nurses, and hospital staff.
I am so grateful that my spouse is a very aware and alert driver. He spotted the vehicle drifting into our lane and honked, but the driver did not correct their course. My spouse then attempted to move out of the way, but unfortunately, as you can see, there was little room to react. It all happened so fast, within seconds.
That’s all it takes—a few seconds of distraction to not only potentially seriously harm yourself but also to endanger or kill others.
Although we are still processing this accident and are in considerable pain, we are incredibly thankful that our children (ages 2 and 5), my spouse, and I did not sustain any life-threatening injuries and that we all survived.
I wanted to share this video with the hope that people will use it as a reminder of the consequences of irresponsible driving. Please take a good look, check yourself, and think about your driving habits. There are far too many accidents in the valley, especially on this stretch of the highway, which is literally the straightest part of the road.
Just yesterday, the day after our accident, we saw a man driving while holding his cell phone with both hands, texting. I don’t get it. Is it really worth not pulling over for a few seconds if you need to text, reach for something, or answer a call? What will it take for people to become more responsible behind the wheel? Losing someone? Getting hurt?
This is the third MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) I’ve been involved in where others have caused the accident. I am still healing from my previous injuries, and now this.
It’s unclear what actions the RCMP have taken or will take regarding this accident, or what they’ve done to investigate. We’ve sent them this video, but as of now, we have received no response or confirmation. I believe the RCMP and ICBC need to reassess their procedures and how they handle these accidents. People who are so negligent should not be allowed to operate a vehicle if they cause accidents like this and should face more serious consequences. Otherwise, this kind of thing will keep happening.
Please, everyone, drive responsibly!
Please be respectful and refrain from negativity. We have been through so much in the last couple of days. Thank you.
~ Garrett Moore and Alla Korotenko
A Vancouver Island family is shaken but deeply grateful to be alive after a serious car accident on Monday night on Old Island Highway in Black Creek.
The family penned an open letter which will be posted below. pic.twitter.com/iHj2jOSdnw
— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) September 4, 2024
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