A 64-year-old Abbotsford man is facing serious consequences after BC Highway Patrol officers intercepted his fully-loaded dump truck on the Trans Canada Hwy. in Chilliwack for impaired driving.
The incident occurred on the morning of April 9, just before 9:30 a.m., when a concerned passerby reported the dump truck was being driven dangerously eastbound near Vedder Road.
The caller provided detailed information about the truck’s behavior and location, allowing officers to respond quickly.
Two BC Highway Patrol vehicles located and stopped the vehicle near Popkum Road, where they determined the driver was impaired.
“We are obviously very concerned whenever a professional dump truck driver makes the decision to drive while impaired,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“The caller who alerted police did a great job describing the driving behaviour and location of the truck.”
The driver has been issued a 90-day driving suspension and had to be picked up and driven home by his wife.
His dump truck, still fully loaded at the time of the stop, was towed from the scene by a heavy-duty tow truck and will remain impounded for 30 days.
The Abbotsford-based company that owns the truck will be responsible for covering the towing and storage fees associated with the impoundment.