Long weekend camping trip ruined after BC man, 27, caught speeding while impaired

A white Jeep was full of camping gear when it was towed away from the Squamish area around 5 pm on Friday, May 16.

That’s because the owner, a 27-year-old Vancouver man, was heading to a campground for a long weekend of fun when he was stopped by the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP).

According to a BCHP release, the Jeep was clocked going 148 km/h in a 90 km/h zone on Hwy 99 near Squamish.

There was open liquor in the vehicle, which led to a demand for a breath sample that produced a ‘fail’ reading from the driver.

“Speed and alcohol are two of the top three causes of death on BC roads,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “Never start the party on the road. Instead, leave early enough so that you enjoy the journey and don’t lose your vehicle or your life.”

The BCHP says the man was issued the following:

• An Immediate Roadside Prohibition from driving for 90 days (including the seizure of the driver’s licence and the responsibility to pay for a replacement)
• A ticket for excessive speed (41-60 km/h over the limit), section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act for a fine of $368
• A mandatory 30-day vehicle impound (the vehicle was a courtesy car from a car dealership)
• A ticket for driving contrary to restrictions, section 25(15) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (the man was a Class 5 Learner who was required to have a supervisor while driving), for a fine of $109
• A ticket for having open liquor in a vehicle, section 76(2) of the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act ($230)

He’ll also be facing at least three years of high-risk premiums with his insurance, which the BCHP estimates will bring the total costs to “well above $2,600.”