Many of us drive the Sea to Sky every day, and most trips are routine. But when something unusual happens, it’s a reminder that safety on and around Highway 99 is everyone’s business. A local resident recently experienced a wrong-way driving incident in Squamish. While the details are still being confirmed, the situation has prompted fresh questions from neighbours about how prepared we are for rare but high‑risk events, what measures are already in place, and what else could help prevent them.
Wrong-way driving is uncommon, yet it can lead to severe outcomes because vehicles are often travelling at highway speeds and head-on. Police and road-safety organizations consistently advise the same immediate steps if you encounter a driver going the wrong direction: slow down, move safely to the right, create space, and call 9‑1‑1 as soon as it’s safe to do so. The aim is to remove yourself from danger and get information to first responders quickly. It’s important not to try to stop or confront the other driver; trained responders are best equipped to intervene.
In Squamish and across the corridor, road safety is a shared responsibility. The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (the Ministry) designs and maintains Highway 99, including its on- and off‑ramps, signage, and pavement markings. Squamish RCMP and Sea to Sky Traffic Services conduct enforcement and respond to incidents. The District of Squamish manages municipal roads, traffic calming, and local education efforts, and can flag provincial issues to the Ministry. Understanding these roles helps residents know where to direct concerns and how improvements can move forward.
The Sea to Sky corridor carries a mix of local commuters, commercial vehicles, and visitors—especially on weekends and holidays. That variety brings different levels of familiarity with the route. Interchanges near Squamish see a lot of turning activity throughout the day, and conditions can change quickly with weather or construction. In low light, heavy rain, or when detours are in place, even well-signed ramps can become more challenging to navigate. None of this excuses unsafe driving, but it does explain why agencies lean on layered safeguards: good design, clear information for drivers, and visible enforcement.
Much of Highway 99 was upgraded ahead of the 2010 Winter Games, and the corridor continues to see targeted safety improvements. Standard countermeasures to deter wrong-way entries include “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs facing potential errant drivers, directional arrows on pavement, high-contrast lane markings, rumble strips, reflectors, and in some locations, median or roadside barriers to reduce the risk of head‑on collisions. The Ministry also adjusts sign placement and visibility as needed—lowering or doubling signs, adding additional arrows on the ramp surface, or improving lighting—based on site conditions and collision data.
Local enforcement remains a key part of prevention. Sea to Sky RCMP units regularly focus on impaired, distracted, and high‑risk driving behaviours that can contribute to serious incidents, including wrong‑way travel. Province‑wide initiatives like CounterAttack checkstops target impaired driving year‑round, with heightened activity during holiday periods. Community Speed Watch, delivered with local volunteers, ICBC, and RCMP, supports education and data gathering on municipal roads. While these efforts don’t replace design fixes, they help create a culture of attention and accountability behind the wheel.
Residents have asked what else can be done here in Squamish. A practical first step is a signage and visibility review at interchanges that see the most turning movements. The Ministry typically considers several low‑cost, high‑impact measures where warranted: adding second “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs on both sides of off‑ramps; applying larger or additional directional arrows on the ramp surface; refreshing paint and reflectors; clearing sightlines by trimming vegetation; and checking lighting levels around decision points. These are familiar tools that can be deployed quickly after field reviews.
Public reporting also matters. If you notice confusing wayfinding, faded markings, or damaged signs on Highway 99 ramps, note the location and direction of travel and contact the Ministry’s maintenance contractor through the contact information posted on DriveBC or the Ministry’s website. For non‑emergency concerns on municipal roads, the District’s Service Squamish team can route requests to the right staff. If you witness an immediate hazard—like a vehicle travelling the wrong way—call 9‑1‑1. Timely, specific reports help authorities spot patterns they can act on.
Education is another area where the community can lead. A short, seasonal awareness push—especially ahead of spring break, summer weekends, and winter conditions—can remind drivers to slow down near interchanges, follow lane guidance, and avoid quick last‑minute turns. Businesses that attract visitors can share route maps and simple tips to reduce missed turns and abrupt corrections. Local schools and sports organizations can circulate driving reminders alongside event notices when traffic volumes spike. These are small actions that, taken together, make shared roads more predictable.
For individual drivers, a few habits go a long way. Plan your route so you know which exit you need before you reach it, watch for lane arrows and overhead signs, and commit to the turn only when you’re sure you’re in the correct lane. If you miss an exit, continue to the next safe place to turn around; don’t stop on the shoulder to cut across traffic. Avoid impairment of any kind, and put the phone away—distraction and confusion can pair badly at interchanges. If you ever realize you’re on the wrong side of a divided road, pull over immediately when safe, turn on your hazards, and call 9‑1‑1 for instructions.
Squamish Blog has asked the Squamish RCMP detachment and the Ministry about any reviews planned for local Highway 99 interchanges in light of the reported wrong‑way incident. Official comment is pending. In the meantime, community members can expect the usual combination of enforcement and routine maintenance, and they can continue sharing location‑specific feedback through the established channels noted above.
Highway safety is built from many small decisions—by drivers, agencies, and neighbours. The incident reported this week is a reminder that even one rare event is worth examining, not to place blame, but to learn where visibility, messaging, or enforcement could be sharpened. Squamish has a strong track record of moving practical ideas forward when residents bring clear observations and stay engaged. If a few extra arrows, a refreshed sign, or a timely patrol helps prevent the next close call, that is a result the whole community can share.
We will update readers as soon as the RCMP or the Ministry provide further details. For current conditions and maintenance contacts on Highway 99, visit DriveBC and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure website. For non‑emergency local road concerns, contact the District of Squamish through Service Squamish. If you encounter a wrong‑way vehicle or any immediate hazard, call 9‑1‑1.
