RCMP Traffic Services are continuing to see high speeds among drivers across the province during the Covid-19 pandemic.
At a time when the majority of people should be staying home, with many capable of working from home, police question why motorists are in such a rush.
On April 27, 2020, at approximately 4:00 p.m., RCMP Traffic Services East observed a truck travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway(TCH) near Witless Bay Line at a speed of 170 km/hr. Police conducted a traffic stop and ticketed the 31-year-old Paradise man for the excessive speed, suspended his licence and seized and impounded the vehicle.
On April 28, 2020, at approximately 3:30 p.m., RCMP Traffic Services West observed a truck travelling on the TCH east of Corner Brook at a speed of 161 km/hr in the posted 90 km/hr speed zone. Police conducted a traffic stop and ticketed the 24-year-old Deer Lake man, suspended his licence and seized and impounded the vehicle.
Traffic Services remains committed to highway safety through the enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act, related statutes, and the Criminal Code during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a vehicle operator, you have an obligation to drive in accordance with the law, which also requires you to operate in a safe manner. Motorists who speed or operate in an unsafe and/or in a reckless manner will be charged to the fullest extent of the law and will be removed from the road where appropriate.
Currently, more than ever, drivers really need to consider some of the consequences of their driving actions should they find themselves in a collision including:
- If you end up hospitalized you will not be permitted visitors, nor will anyone else that you have injured.
- You put all emergency first responders and medical staff, who will rescue you and treat your injures, if you survive, at unnecessary risk during Covid-19. That risk then extends to all family members of both the emergency first responders, medical personnel, and others such as tow truck operators and support staff at the hospital.
SLOW DOWN AND WATCH YOUR SPEEDOMETER. Consider the use of cruise control. Drive safely to reach your destination and remember, RCMP Traffic Services is watching.