An Alberta man had his vehicle impounded after being caught excessively speeding in the east Kootenays last month, despite telling a BC Highway Patrol officer that he was trying to avoid wildlife.
On Dec. 30, on Highway 3/95 near Moyie, which is a small town south of Cranbrook, the BCHP officer stopped a Mercedes SUV that was clocked hitting 160 km/h in a 100 zone.
When the officer asked why the man was driving so fast, the man said he was trying to avoid elk.
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“The maximum speed of a North American elk is about 70 km/h, so they are just as athletic as they are majestic, but if you feel the need to get away, you still have plenty of room to spare in a 100 km/h zone,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.
The BCHP advises drivers to consider leaving earlier and slowing to the speed limit to avoid the cost and hassle of having a vehicle impounded.
The Alberta driver was handed a $483 speeding ticket and will have to cover the cost of the tow truck and seven-day vehicle impound.
The vehicle’s owner will likely face high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance costs.
“Luckily, no elk were harmed during this incident,” said Cpl. McLaughlin. “If you ever hit such a large creature while driving 160, it will end badly for you and very badly for the elk.”
