BURSTA 45-year-old driver from Maple Ridge is facing a $368 ticket for allegedly sleeping behind the wheel while driving on Highway 1.
Two witnesses called into police about a driver who appeared to be asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla on Highway 1 near Mountain Highway in North Vancouver on Aug. 11, just before 3:30 p.m., according to a news release from B.C. Highway Patrol Wednesday (Sept. 2).
Police say both witnesses were in the same vehicle and the passenger recorded video from the passenger seat.
Based on the description provided by the witnesses and evidence, B.C. Highway Patrol was able to track down the driver of the registered owner to her home in Maple Ridge.
Police say the 45-year-old owner of the Tesla matched the description of the suspected sleeper and she was issued a $368-ticket for driving without due care and attention.
“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,” B.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael McLaughlin said.
“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 BC.”