A Chilliwack man has wrecked his motorcycle after failing to follow a couple of basic road rules.
BC Highway Patrol is releasing a video of a recent collision to remind all motorists that passing on the right is dangerous and illegal, and when police activate their lights, you need to pull over immediately.
On June 18 at 9:22 a.m. on Highway 1 westbound near East 1st Avenue in Vancouver, a BC Highway Patrol officer was in heavy traffic when he was passed by a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the right shoulder. When the police officer activated his lights and siren, a blue pickup truck signalled and pulled off to the right as required by law. Instead of doing the same thing, the motorcyclist continued passing on the right, which resulted in running over a road sign and into the rear of the blue pickup.
“Passing on the right enrages other motorists, but that’s not the main reason that it’s illegal,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “The side of the road has rocks, sand, garbage, shredded truck tires and other hazards, and if someone pulls off the road suddenly, you could end up badly hurt or worse.”
The 37-year-old Chilliwack man who was riding the motorcycle was briefly arrested for flight from police and then released with the following:
- A violation ticket for passing on the right off the roadway, with a fine of $109
- A violation ticket for driving without consideration, with a fine of $196
- A seven-day impound for his Harley-Davidson motorcycle
The motorcycle was too damaged to ride, but the Chilliwack man walked away with minor injuries.
“We’re glad no one was hurt, but too many motorcyclists are passing on the right on Highway 1,” says McLaughlin, “Consider this a warning to everyone; BC Highway Patrol can and will ticket drivers who pass on the right.”
