Out on patrol this weekend, Merritt RCMP and Merritt BC Highway Patrol took eight excessive speeders off the community’s surrounding highways. They say some occupants in stopped vehicles weren’t wearing seatbelts, and even clocked one driver passing at 185 kilometres per hour.
The RCMP is reminding the public that while roads may be clearing up from winter conditions, speeding is still dangerous – and illegal.
Drivers caught speeding excessively could face fines up to $483, with the possibility of further action such as a seven day vehicle impound. Those caught in this situation are responsible for their own transportation after the fact, says the Merritt RCMP.
“Merritt doesn’t have rental cars and the E-Bus is almost always fully booked”, says Cst. Vickie Taylor with BC Highway Patrol. “If you drive excessively and get towed, it’s your responsibility to find your way home”.
According to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), an average of 82 British Columbians die every year in speed related crashes. The government-owned insurer and motor vehicle department recommends a three second following distance behind the vehicle in front of drivers on highways, and four seconds in poor conditions.
