Air 1 from the Lower Mainland Traffic Safety Helicopter Program, Fraser Valley Integrated Road Safety Unit (FV IRSU) and Abbotsford Police Department did a joint forces operation to combat unsafe driving on June 5, 2010. The operation was a success in reducing harmful factors from our roadways. It was conducted along Highway 11, and Highway 1 between McCallum Road and No. 3 Road.

 In a 3-hour period, police officers stopped and issued violation tickets to:

• 30 drivers for speeding or excessive speeding,
• 1 driver for using a cell phone while driving, and
• 10 drivers for various charges under provincial legislation.

In addition, 2 defective vehicles were order to get repair and the joint forces also assisted in a search for a missing 6 year old girl in the Abbotsford area.

“We stopped one driver for driving much faster than 60 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 1. He was surprised and said that we [the police] just came out of nowhere.” Said Cst. Pagliericci of the FV IRSU, “Air 1 is a safe and effective tool in stopping this type of unsafe drivers. These unsafe drivers habitually drive at a very dangerous and fast speed on a busy highway. They are a risk to themselves and other road users around them. These unsafe drivers may be watching out for marked police vehicles, but they are completely unaware that Air 1 is watching them from above.”

The next time you drive at a dangerous speed, Air 1 could be watching you. Cpl. Chung of “E” Division Traffic Services HQ said, “the fine for excessive speed ranges from $368 to $483 plus 3 penalty points. The faster you drive, the higher the fine. Depending on the circumstances, police officer may also ask the Superintendent of the Motor Vehicles to have you prohibited from driving and your driver’s license seized on the spot.”

Released by

Cpl. Jamie CHUNG
Media Relations Officer
"E" Division Traffic Services HQ
traffic.bc.rcmp.ca
306C-20338 65th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 2X3
Office: (604)539-2718
Cell: (604)786-0487
Fax: (604)539-2716
Email: EDIV_RCMP_HQ_Traffic_Services@rcmp-grc.gc.ca