BC Highway Patrol officers recently pulled over a car on Hwy. 19 north of Qualicum Beach where police say the driver was fully reclined in a technology-assisted car and didn't know where he was. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

pulled over

Police arrest alleged impaired, careless motorist of driver-assisted car near Qualicum Beach

Apr 26, 2023 | 12:51 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) officers pulled over a reclined driver who apparently had no idea where he was.

In response to a report of an erratic driver, BCHP officers intercepted a northbound Honda Civic on the evening of April 14 on the Inland Island Hwy. near the Cook Creek Rd. exit where they found two occupants — a fully reclined driver and his passenger suspected of possessing fentanyl.

The driver, a man in his 40’s from Alberta showed signs of impairment and was charged with multiple Motor Vehicle Act infractions and issued a 24-hour driving prohibition.

The passenger was arrested on outstanding warrants. He’s an Oceanside area man in his 30’s, police said.

Staff Sgt. Adam Tallboy of BCHP Vancouver Island said drivers must still be attentive, regardless of the features their vehicle has.

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“This vehicle was equipped with an adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and some other automated drive features that seemed to be keeping the vehicle driving in the correct direction.”

Tallboy stated the driver had drug paraphernalia in his lap.

He did not appear to be in physical control of the car, nor did he seem to know where he was during the late evening incident, Tallboy said.

“The driver was very confused as to where he was and thought he was actually in a different part of the Island, so clearly he was not in control of the vehicle or aware of his surroundings.”

— with files from 97.3 FM The Eagle

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