MERRITT, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — A fully loaded car hauler blew through an entire construction zone on Highway 5 at Highway 97C near Merritt at nearly double the posted speed limit on July 31, and when BC Highway Patrol finally got it stopped, a Level 1 inspection revealed the truck had three brake violations, inadequate tires, inoperable marker lamps, and log book violations on top of the speeding ticket.
The 53-year-old Calgary driver was clocked at 109 km/h (nearly 68 mph) in a 60 km/h (37 mph) construction zone at 9:40 a.m. The officer activated lights and sirens but the truck continued through the entire construction zone before stopping. Suspecting a mechanical issue contributed to the driver’s inability to stop, officers initiated a Level 1 inspection. Both the tractor and trailer failed and were placed out of service for major safety violations. The vehicles being transported on the auto hauler were unloaded at the scene.
The driver was issued $1,400 CAD in fines covering excessive speed at $368, improper brake performance on three brakes at $414, failure to have adequate tires in good condition at $109, numerous inoperable yellow marker lamps at $109, failure to comply with trip inspection requirements at $138, and failure to verify accuracy of certified record of duty status at $311. The Surrey-based trucking company that owns the rig is responsible for the tow costs and seven-day impound fees, which carry premium rates for heavy-duty haulers.
“We are watching commercial trucks everywhere in BC, but residents in the Thompson Nicola Region have told us they want even more focus than usual,” said BC Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael McLaughlin. “There’s an expectation that commercial truck drivers will be as committed to road safety as anyone else, and police are committed to upholding that standard.”
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