Yesterday, the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) shared some information about a sleeping Tesla driver in North Vancouver, and today, they’ve shared another incident with video of yet another sleeping Tesla driver, this time in Langley.
BCHP called the incident in Langley dangerous, and police actually diverted away from another call to deal with the sleeping driver.
The incident took place on Aug. 27, during rush hour at 7:45 a.m.
At the time, a BCHP officer was on a priority call when he passed a Tesla with a man in the driver’s seat on Highway 1, near 248th Street in Langley.
“The BC Highway Patrol officer was forced to divert from the priority call because the driver of the Tesla had his eyes closed and both hands off the steering wheel.”
BCHP said that the police officer’s observations and his body-worn camera showed the Tesla driver asleep, even though the driver claimed otherwise.
Whether or not the driver was telling the truth, video clearly shows him with both hands off the steering wheel.
“This traffic stop took a valuable resource away from another police call. If drivers would stop sleeping behind the wheel, we could go help people who need us more,” said BCHP Sergeant Michael McLaughlin.
For his highway nap, the driver received a fine of $368 for driving without due care.
BCHP pointed out that other officers were able to deal with the original call that the officer responding to the sleeping Tesla driver was diverted away from. That call involved a man with an “extensive police history” who was found walking on the highway.
“We can’t ignore drivers who are inattentive to this degree,” said McLaughlin.
“The potential for serious injury or death is too high. If you’re sleeping, you’re forcing us to pull you over, and that means we’re going to leave you with financial consequences.”