Richmond RCMP say they have caught a driver going 143 km/h in an 80 km zone.
Mounties said the excessive speeding was “unacceptable at any time, any place, pandemic or otherwise,” noting that the result of that type of speed is “instant impoundment.”
And according to B.C. RCMP, this type of violation isn’t uncommon during COVID-19.
“There has been a significant drop in traffic volumes since COVID-19 restrictions have been put in place,” said Supt. Holly Turton of B.C. RCMP Traffic Services.
“However, police across the province have reported an increase in the number of excessive speeding violations.”
143 kmh in an 80 zone. Unacceptable at any time, any place, pandemic or otherwise. Our duty to maintain public safety on our roadways still remains. Excessive speed + instant impoundment pic.twitter.com/oFLvbxHMyQ
— Richmond RCMP (@RichmondRCMP) May 15, 2020
The B.C. RCMP is now returning to pre-COVID-19 enforcement levels for dangerous driving infractions, according Turton.
High-risk driving behaviours include, among others:
- Excessive speed
- Driving without due care and attention
- Driving without reasonable consideration
- Use of an electronic device while driving
- Following too closely
- Ignoring traffic control devices
- Improper passing
- Racing/stunting
The month of May also marks the beginning of increased traffic on the province’s roads and highways, and is designated as High Risk Driving month, according to B.C. RCMP, coinciding with Canada Safety Council’s National Road Safety Week from May 12 to May 18.
On average, 114 people die in B.C. die each year in crashes that involve high-risk driving.
