The Nanaimo RCMP suspect alcohol played a role in a single-vehicle crash that left four teens shaken last week.
Mounties, firefighters and paramedics responded to the crash, which occurred in central Nanaimo on Sept. 5 around 4:10 a.m.
Four 16-year-olds were inside the older-model car at the time of the crash, including the driver, who police say showed signs of intoxication.
The car received “significant front-end damage” and one teen suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital.
The other three occupants of the car were picked up by guardians and taken home.
“Air bags had deployed and all onboard, while traumatized, appeared to be relatively unscathed,” said the Nanaimo RCMP in a release Thursday.
Mounties say the teen driver of the car gave a breath sample, which determined that he had consumed alcohol that night, which is prohibited for anyone who does not have their full driver’s licence.
The driver was handed a $109 ticket and three demerit points for driving contrary to restriction. He may also have his licence banned for 30 to 90 days, pending a review, according to RCMP.
“Booze and inexperienced drivers do not mix. The zero-alcohol limit is there for a reason,” said RCMP.
Adam Chan
