WATCH: ICBC and RCMP officers pull over dozens of vehicles in all day spot check advocating driving safety as winter approaches.
Numerous officers conducted a large-scale spot check on Highway 19 near Horne Lake to make sure vehicles were safe for winter driving.
However, many other infractions were found as well.
“Well we pulled over a motorcycle just on a whim and he was a learner, didn’t have a supervisor,” said Cons.Doug Pennington of RCMP Central Island Traffic Services. “We also just arrested a woman who gave us a false name so we’re just deciphering that right now. It would appear she doesn’t have a licence.”
A range of vehicles from small cars to big boats on big trailers and logging trucks were pulled over. RCMP officers and commercial vehicle enforcement inspectors were joined by members of the BC Conservation Officer Service.
One of the main messages to drivers is to be ready for changing driving conditions this fall and winter.
“Winter driving is upon us,” said ICBC Road Safety Coordinator Caroline Robinson.
“It’s hard to tell on this beautiful sunny day but we’re going to have dark rainy conditions and really the message is about slowing down, getting your tires checked, making sure you’re ready for those conditions.”
The spot check happened in the same area where the speed limit was reduced today to 110 km/hr.
“So people need to be aware what the speed limits are even if they are going to be changing and that those posted speed limits are for ideal conditions so as the weather and road conditions deteriorate your speed needs to go down accordingly as well,” added Robinson.
“We’re looking for things such as proper licenses, firearm safety when transporting, proper parts of animals are left attached when they’re transporting them until they get to where they need to be,” said Conservation Officer Daniel Eichstadter.
The same agencies will be conducting another checkstop next week on the “hump” on Highway 4 near Port Alberni.
Dean Stoltz
