With temperatures dropping and snow returning, extra caution on the roads will be essential for many motorists.
But in the first week of March, the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) had an entirely different experience in Fort St. John, impounding 14 vehicles for speeding.
Of the 14 impounded vehicles, three were clocked at speeds 60 km/h over the limit. Notably, two of the drivers were novices and another was driving with a learner’s permit.
The learner received the maximum fine of $483 plus their vehicle impounded. The two ‘N’ drivers were fined $369 for speeding, plus an additional $109 for not displaying their sticker, according to BCHP.
“Our job is to help make driving safer for everybody,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin. “And that’s what we aim to do by letting drivers know all the consequences of speeding.”
Two other drivers were pulled over for both speeding and impaired driving, while another motorist was caught driving without insurance, resulting in a total of $1081 in fines.
All the drivers involved will also bear the costs associated with towing, a seven-day impound, and ICBC premium points.
“You never know when BC Highway Patrol will launch a concentrated effort at excessive speeders, but you can bet that you’ll lose the privilege of driving if you don’t slow down,” said McLaughlin.
BCHP says speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are the top three causes of fatal collisions in the province. In 2023, there were 331 motor vehicle deaths across the province with the majority occurring in the summer months, according to the latest available data from the Coroners Service.