Cranbrook officers with B.C. Highway Patrol investigated a dangerous driving incident that resulted in several penalties for a driver.
Officers observed an Audi travelling 230 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone while conducting a proactive road safety patrol on Highway 93/95 near Fairmont Hot Springs on July 14.
Because of the vehicle’s speed, officers were unable to stop it safely. They instead went to an area where they believed the vehicle would be after members of the public reported that an Audi had entered a nearby campground.
Officers located the vehicle a short time later. It was parked and unoccupied.
Police later located and identified the driver, a 20-year-old Alberta man, and developed grounds to suspect he had consumed alcohol.
Officers demanded a roadside breath sample, which the driver provided. An approved screening device registered a “WARN” result.
The investigation resulted in several tickets and administrative penalties, including a three-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, a seven-day vehicle impoundment, an excessive speeding ticket, a violation ticket for driving without a driver’s licence and $959 in fines under the Motor Vehicle Act, in addition to towing and impoundment costs. The driver was also referred to the Alberta administrative body responsible for reviewing driving sanctions in that province.
B.C. Highway Patrol thanked members of the public who assisted the investigation, saying the information they provided was instrumental in locating the driver.
“Not every investigation ends with flashing lights and a traffic stop. This is a great example of persistent police work and good information from the public that held a driver accountable for his dangerous driving behaviour.” said Sgt. Brett Reiben, unit commander for B.C. Highway Patrol Cranbrook.
B.C. Highway Patrol said the public’s willingness to report dangerous driving is critical to helping keep communities safe.
