The Cowichan Valley almost made it through the long weekend without a mishap on the roads, until Victoria Day proper.

Not one, but two accidents south of Ladysmith had traffic backed up for nearly two hours Monday afternoon.

RCMP Cpl. Tim Desaulniers explained that the first accident occurred in the northbound lane of the highway after one vehicle was slowing down to approach the intersection at Edgelow Rd., and was rear-ended by the one behind it.

Desaulniers said sheer volume on the long weekend likely played a factor in the accident.

“It’s a very busy weekend, and the resulting traffic backed up was due to the high volumes,” he said. “And the weather at the time also was pouring rain… so people just have to slow down and drive accordingly.”

The driver of the second vehicle was airlifted to a Victoria hospital with possibly serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

The second accident happened in the southbound lanes and was the same idea—the first vehicle slowed down and the one behind it didn't.

Desaulniers said the driver in the first accident faces charges of "following too closely" or "speed relative to conditions" under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Police are still investigating the second.

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