Sleeping Tesla driver fined
Madison Reeve
Two witnesses and video evidence helped BC Highway Patrol track down and ticket a Tesla driver who was allegedly caught sleeping behind the wheel on Highway 1.
The incident happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. Aug. 11 near Mountain Highway in North Vancouver.
Police say two witnesses were travelling in the same vehicle when they called police about the Tesla driver. A passenger recorded video of the incident.
Using the witnesses’ description and video, BC Highway Patrol tracked the Tesla’s registered owner to her home in Maple Ridge.
The 45-year-old owner matched the description of the driver and was issued a $368 ticket for driving without due care and attention under Section 144(1)(a) of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act.
“Police will not debate the merits of self-driving technology with sleeping drivers. It’s illegal in B.C., and we’re here to enforce the law and keep roads safe,” says Sgt. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“Driver inattention is a major factor in serious and deadly collisions. You must be completely focussed and alert when you’re behind the wheel of any motor vehicle in B.C.”
Photo: BC RCMP
Two witnesses and video helped police ticket a Tesla driver who was sleeping behind the wheel on Highway 1.