BCHP CRD IRSU Investigates driver of ride-hailing vehicle for impaired driving

Island District, BC Highway Patrol, Road Safety Unit

2023-08-31 08:41 PDT

File # BCHP CRD IRSU 2023-1595

On the evening of August 17, 2023, Officers with BC Highway Patrol – Capital Regional District – Integrated Road Safety Unit (BCHP-CRD-IRSU) were in the area of Douglas Street at View Street in Victoria, BC, conducting enforcement operations in partnership with Officers from Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) and Passenger Transportation Enforcement (PTE). The operation was focused on enforcing regulations for ride-hailing, taxi and limousine vehicles.

The driver of one such ride-hailing vehicle was stopped after he was observed to be changing lanes in an unsafe manner. After stopping the vehicle, the investigation that followed led officers to form the suspicion that the driver was impaired by a drug and he was subsequently arrested. The licence of the driver was immediately suspended for 24 hours and the vehicle was impounded. The driver was also charged under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and Passenger Transportation Act. As the investigation continues, the driver may also potentially face Criminal Code Charges.

Drivers of ride-hailing vehicles are in a position where they are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers says Staff Sergeant Adam Tallboy, acting OIC of BCHP Vancouver Island. As such, they are held to a high standard by their customers, employers and law enforcement. BC Highway Patrol is committed to working together with our partner agencies to uphold these standards on our highways.

As the provincial Summer Impaired Driving Campaign draws to a close, BC Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for unsafe driving behaviours into the fall season and beyond.

Released by:

Email: bchp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/highway-patrol

Follow Us: