Video shows compounding errors that lead to a driver getting his vehicle impounded

May 13, 2026 - Chase, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

Content

An Alberta man driving to Metro Vancouver has been forced to make alternate arrangements after a series of decisions, and alert witnesses, that led to his vehicle getting impounded. 

On April 28, 2026, at 5:43 p.m., police received a call about a red Mazda hatchback that was driving dangerously on Highway #1 near Chase, BC. 

At 5:55 p.m., an unmarked BC Highway Patrol cruiser was overtaken by a red Mazda hatchback going westbound on Highway #1 in Pritchard, BC. The police officer recorded a speed of 163 km/h in a 100 zone.

Shortly after the police officer stopped the red Mazda hatchback, a heavy commercial truck driver stopped and said he had dash-camera video of dangerous passing from the same car. The truck driver, a 58-year-old Kamloops man, provided a witness statement, his dash-camera video, and offered to appear in traffic court.

As a result of the totality of the circumstances, the 59-year-old Red Deer, Alberta man who was driving the red Mazda hatchback was issued:

• A ticket for excessive speed (over 60 km/h), section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act, with a fine of $483;
• The cost of a tow truck and a seven-day impound;
• Illegal pass on laned roadway, section 151(f) of the BC MVA ($109),
• Cross double solid line, section 155(1) of the BC MVA ($109),
• At least three years of high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance that will bring the total costs to over $2,500.

“One of the dangerous issues with driving too fast is that your brain can’t process what your eyes should see- such as the police cruiser you’re passing at excessive speed,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “We’re grateful to the professional truck driver who did all the right things to prevent this comedy turning into a tragedy.”

Contacts