Teen loses car after texting and speeding under BC Highway Patrol warning sign
A teen driver sped past a flashing highway sign that warned “BC Hwy Patrol Ahead,” and right into the arms of police.
According to a news release from BC Highway Patrol, the 19-year-old Coquitlam driver was pulled over on June 28 after officers clocked him doing 134 km/h in a 100 zone on Highway 1 in Surrey, while allegedly using his phone behind the wheel.
Adding insult to injury? It happened right under a giant illuminated sign warning drivers to “Drive Safe” because cops were nearby.
Police say the teen might not have seen the warning, or the cruiser, because he was too focused on his phone.
The Mercedes driver was already prohibited from being behind the wheel, according to the release.
That, combined with the speeding and distracted driving, meant he didn’t just get tickets, he lost his car.
Here’s what he’s now facing:
- $196 fine for speeding
- $368 fine for using an electronic device while driving
- $109 fine for a defective vehicle
- A court summons for driving while prohibited
- A seven-day vehicle impound
This incident is part of an ongoing Highway Patrol crackdown on unsafe driving during the busy summer travel season.
Large electronic signs posted along B.C. highways are designed to give drivers a heads-up that police are nearby, and watching.
“Sometimes life gives you a sign,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin in the release.
“Make an effort to slow down and enjoy the drive. You might avoid getting ticketed and towed.”
According to BC Highway Patrol, distracted driving remains one of the top causes of serious crashes in the province.
For more on what you can and can’t do behind the wheel, check out ICBC’s website.
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