Local police kicked off a safe-driving initiative last week by stopping a "very" drunk driver from heading into New Westminster, according to Burnaby RCMP.
Traffic services officers had set up a check stop at McBride Boulevard and 10th Avenue on Sunday, July 12, according to a police news release.
Just after 7:10 a.m. – despite a line of traffic cones, police vehicles and officers in high visibility reflective gear on both sides of 10th Avenue in both directions – police say one vehicle drove right through without stopping.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle by yelling and waving, according to police, but the vehicle continued toward the Pattullo Bridge.
They eventually managed to stop the motorist nearly a kilometre down the road by pulling ahead of him, police said.
The driver then failed two breath tests, was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and had his vehicle impounded for 30 days.
"He was definitely very impaired," Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Mike Kalanj said.
During the rest of the weeklong safe-driving enforcement, police caught 12 more impaired drivers, four prohibited drivers, 104 speeders, two excessive speeders, 18 distracted drivers and 11 drivers not wearing their seatbelts. Officers also issued 16 tickets for intersection violations and 77 other miscellaneous driving violations.
As a result of the enforcement, five drivers also face aggressive driving charges, while another three face criminal charges for obstruction and identity fraud.
“Taking unsafe drivers off the road has immeasurably positive results,” Kalanj said. “Initiatives like these are important, but this is the work our traffic services officers conduct every day in keeping the streets of Burnaby safe.”
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