The Langley RCMP is reminding people not to try and evade traffic stops after a member was nearly struck while attempting to stop a vehicle.
"If an officer waves you over鈥� that鈥檚 your cue to stop," Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said. "Trying to swerve around police and speed off? Bad idea. Trying that after a few drinks? Even worse."
Yesterday, one driver clocked at 93 km/h in a 60 km zone nearly struck an officer while attempting to avoid a traffic stop at Robertson Crescent and 242 Street. The driver swerved off the roadway to the right of the officer and accelerated to well over 100 km/h.
Another officer, who witnessed the dangerous manoeuvre, was able to intercept the vehicle before it reached the driver鈥檚 residence. The driver displayed signs of impairment and failed two roadside screening tests.
The driver failed two roadside screening tests, and left the encounter with:
鈥� a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition
鈥� a 30-day impound
鈥� 11 Motor Vehicle Act charges totalling $2,035 in fines
鈥� $8,225 in Driver Penalty Points
"It鈥檚 cheaper, safer, and far less embarrassing to just pull over when police flag you down," he added.
The Langley RCMP reminds motorists to drive sober, obey posted speed limits, and always slow down when approaching roadside enforcement or emergency vehicles.
This incident highlights the very real dangers impaired and reckless drivers pose, not only to the public, but to police officers doing their jobs roadside, said Sharoom.
"If you choose to drink and drive, you are not only risking lives, but you are setting yourself up to face serious financial and legal consequences."
