Nanaimo RCMP say an alleged impaired driving driving the wrong way on this section of the Trans Canada Hwy. south of the city narrowly hit several vehicles before being pulled over. (Google)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Disaster averted

Allegedly impaired wrong-way driver pulled over on highway south of Nanaimo

Jan 22, 2021 | 1:03 PM

NANAIMO — RCMP members in an unmarked cruiser heading back to Nanaimo were stunned to see a vehicle going the wrong way on the Trans Canada Hwy.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said the suspect vehicle was viewed headed north in the southbound lanes, causing at least eight motorists to veer out of the way on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at around 7:30 p.m.

The northbound Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team members caught up to and safely pulled the vehicle over about one kilometre south of Morden Rd. across from Eaglequest Golf Centre.

“It was probably a matter of time before somebody had called 911 to alert the members, but they just happened to be there at the right time to get her off the street before a head-on collision had occurred,” O’Brien said.

The 34-year-old driver failed two roadside breath tests. O’Brien said she was held in custody overnight and released Wednesday morning. Her vehicle was impounded and she was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and also ticketed for driving without due care and attention.

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Her passenger, who appeared intoxicated, was provided a safe ride home.

O’Brien said the motorist could have gone against the flow of traffic for an extended period of time, noting the four lane highway is divided by a meridian for a lengthy stretch in the area.

He called the driver’s behaviour egregious and inexcusable.

“It’s probably the most selfish thing anybody could ever do is to make a conscious decision to drive while impaired, this was a travesty,” O’Brien said.

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