The BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says a recent incident involving a Kelowna driver is a prime example of why cell phones need to be left alone while behind the wheel.
It happened on Hwy 97 near 83 Mile House around 4 pm on July 16.
According to the BCHP, the 27-year-old was alone in a grey BMW sedan when he was clocked travelling 145 km/h in a 110 km/h zone.
When the fully-uniformed officer stepped onto the highway to stop the vehicle and signal him to the side of the highway, the driver flew by and nearly hit the cop.
“There should have been plenty of time and distance to stop, but it’s hard to see the police when you are reading a text message,” explained Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “That was the driver’s explanation.”
BCHP patrollers doing radar speed checks along highways work in pairs and the second officer was able to catch up to the BMW and pull it over safely.
As a result, the Kelowna man was fined $196 for speeding, $368 for using an electronic device while driving and $144 for failing to stop for police when signalled.
“RCMP officers are in the process of transitioning to body cameras, and when you drive by police your actions will likely be recorded,”added McLaughlin.
“We are grateful the driver eventually stopped. This was a dangerous situation that could have ended much worse for both the police officers and the driver.”
