VANCOUVER – A driver of a semi-truck tractor and trailer, hauling beer, was given a 90 day roadside suspension for driving drunk a few weeks ago.
RCMP Fraser Valley Traffic Services (FVTS) says on March 9 they received a message from RCMP Port Mann Traffic Services that a white semi-truck, with red lettering on the side, was travelling east on Highway 1 in Langley and was being driven erratically, possibly by someone impaired.
Later that day another truck driver called the RCMP to report a similar-looking truck was driving east on Highway 1 in Abbotsford and was also driving erratically. At 4 p.m. FVTS RCMP found the semi-truck on Highway 1 in Abbotsford. One police officer saw the truck swerving into his lane and he stopped it without incident on the highway near No. 3 Road.
The driver of the semi-truck provided a roadside sample of his breath, which resulted in a fail. He was given an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) for 90 days and the semi-truck tractor was impounded for 30 days. The owner of the trailer full of beer was told he could pick up the load at a local tow yard.
The semi-truck driver and his female passenger took a cab ride to Chilliwack.
Although this story has an element of humour and irony, this is a reminder that impaired driving is a serious matter,” says Cpl. Rempel of BC RCMP Traffic Services. “Operating any vehicle; in this case, a truck with a loaded trailer while impaired is extremely dangerous and can have devastating outcomes.
We are very fortunate FVTS RCMP members located the truck before a serious and possibly fatal incident occurred. We appreciate the responsible truck driver calling the police to notify us of the dangerous driver on our roads. He very likely saved a life that day.
Rempel says anyone should call police if they see any dangerous or concerning driving behaviour. “If you can safely do so, obtain the licence plate and a description of the vehicle, colour, make and model, and report the issue right away,” he adds.
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