A 27-year-old man from Kelowna had a dangerous encounter with highway patrol after speeding and texting behind the wheel on Highway 97 in the Cariboo region. The incident happened on Wednesday, July 16, around 4 p.m., near 83 Mile House.
Two highway patrol officers were conducting roadside checks that afternoon. They were in full uniform, wearing high-visibility vests, and holding stop signs while monitoring traffic. One of the officers stepped out to signal a white BMW to stop. The vehicle was caught going 145 km/h in a 110 km/h zone.
Despite the clear visibility and ample time to react, the driver failed to slow down in time. The officer had to quickly move out of the way to avoid being struck.
When stopped, the driver gave a shocking explanation for his carelessness. He admitted to reading a text message while driving at high speed. According to the officer on scene, “It’s hard to see the police when you are reading a text message,” was the driver’s exact statement.
The second patrol officer managed to pull over the BMW safely. The man received three tickets totaling $708:
- Speeding over the limit by 21–40 km/h: $196
- Using an electronic device while driving: $368
- Failing to stop when signaled by police: $144
Officers warned that such risky behavior can have serious consequences. “This was a dangerous situation that could have ended much worse,” said the officer involved. “Thankfully, the driver eventually stopped, and no one was hurt.”
Police reminded the public that all traffic stops are taken seriously. With the ongoing rollout of body cameras for RCMP officers, any future incidents may be recorded on video.
Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of road accidents in Canada. Texting while driving greatly reduces reaction time and increases the risk of crashes, especially at highway speeds. Officials urge all drivers to stay alert and follow traffic laws to protect themselves and others.
Highway 97, where the incident took place, is a busy route in British Columbia. Officers regularly monitor the area for speeding, impaired driving, and distracted behavior. Incidents like this one serve as a reminder that even a moment of inattention can lead to life-threatening situations.
Authorities are urging drivers to put down their phones and keep their eyes on the road. Being distracted, even for a second, can lead to dangerous or deadly consequences.
This incident also highlights the critical role of highway patrol officers in keeping roads safe. Their presence and actions help prevent accidents and enforce laws meant to protect everyone on the road.
As more technology is added to enforcement, such as body cameras and vehicle monitoring tools, police hope these changes will discourage risky behaviors behind the wheel. Every driver has the responsibility to stay focused, drive safely, and respect officers directing traffic.
