BC RCMP issue strong warning after officer injured in a crash, impaired driver caught driving the wrong way

A BC RCMP detachment has issued a strong warning to the public after a series of concerning driving incidents that have happened in recent weeks.

In addition to two serious crashes, one of which killed two people and another that left a pedestrian critically injured, the Burnaby RCMP are highlighting two other concerning incidents as a reminder to people to use a little more caution while driving.

“We are urging everyone to take caution and care behind the wheel not just over the holiday season, but every day,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP.

“This includes choosing a safe ride home and giving your undivided attention to the road when driving.”

The first incident happened at about 9:30 pm on Nov. 27 when an officer was pulled over on Highway 1 investigating a hit and run.

A news release said the officer was in his police cruiser with his lights on when he was rear ended by a pickup truck, which “appeared to make no effort to slow down.”

The officer was injured and taken to the hospital. As of Dec. 23, he remains off duty while recovering from his injuries, the news release said.

The crash left the police cruiser seriously damaged and an investigation is ongoing.

Chief Supt. Graham de la Gorgendiere, Officer in Charge of the Burnaby RCMP, said the incident was caught on dash cam and is extremely concerning because the pickup truck driver was travelling at a high rate of speed.

Impairment has been ruled out but investigators say “other factors” may have caused the crash.

The second incident highlighted by the Burnaby RCMP was equally concerning.

On Nov. 23, around 6 am, a Traffic Services officer was doing proactive patrols when he came across a vehicle driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver began reversing away from the police car.

However, the driver stopped, got out and admitted to drinking before driving.

The 40-year-old was given an immediate 90-day driving prohibition and his vehicle was towed and impounded for 30 days.

That incident was also caught on camera.

“There is no excuse for impaired driving. This driver put himself and every road user around him at risk when he made the reckless choice to get behind the wheel while impaired,” Cpl. Kalanj said.

“We are releasing video of this incident taken from our officer’s in-car digital video system to demonstrate the reality of impaired driving.”