Members of BC Highway Patrol – Cranbrook (BCHP) spent the Thanksgiving weekend patrolling throughout the East Kootenay as part of a province-wide campaign to target speed relative to conditions and were thankful no serious incidents occurred on our local highways.

Perhaps officers impounding seven vehicles due to aggressive and dangerous driving helped keep the roads safe.

The worst example occurred on Sunday, October 8 when officers were patrolling Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park when a vehicle was determined to be operating at a dangerous speed of 197 km/h – more than twice the posted speed limit of 90 km/h.

The vehicle was stopped and a 22-year-old male from Edmonton was charged with excessive speeding. He was fined $483 and his vehicle impounded for seven days.

Further aggressive driving was located in the region throughout the holiday weekend, reported Insp. Chad Badry, Kootenay Highway Patrol/BC Highway Patrol Officer-in-Charge.

In Kootenay National Park three other vehicles were impounded. Two as a result of excessive speed resulting in seven-day vehicle impoundments with the drivers receiving fines of $368.

A third driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol resulting in the driver receiving a three-day immediate roadside prohibition and a vehicle impoundment of three days.

On Highway 3 near Creston three drivers were found traveling at excessive speeds all resulting in seven-day vehicle impoundments and fines for excessive speeding. In these instances one driver was found to be unlicensed while another was a new driver.

“We want to remind all drivers that, as the season changes, it is essential to adjust driving habits according to the conditions,” said Sgt. Ron Kneckt, the non-commissioned officer in charge of BC Highway Patrol – Cranbrook.

BC Highway Patrol photos

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