In a shocking turn of events captured on video, a commercial truck driver was seen struggling to maintain his balance during a roadside sobriety check on Monday in Port Coquitlam. Police were alerted to the situation after the driver reportedly crashed into four parked cars, leading to immediate intervention by law enforcement.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the B.C. Highway Patrol stated, “The evidence pointed very clearly for us towards impaired driving.” It seems the driver was not only impaired but also reckless, as he was observed driving erratically before the collision sparked the attention of an “alert citizen.” This citizen’s quick thinking potentially saved lives, as the truck swerved onto Industrial Avenue, narrowly missing pedestrians.

The gravity of the situation cannot be understated—McLaughlin emphasized, “Just look at the damage that happened with four parked cars. It doesn’t take a huge leap in imagination to see that happening to people or pedestrians on the road.” The repercussions for the driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, are severe; he is scheduled to appear in court on March 12, 2025, facing charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle above the legal alcohol limit.

Impaired driving consequences can vary significantly. Criminal lawyer Sarah Leamon elaborated on the potential outcomes, stating, “Sentencing for impaired driving offenses can be relatively broad. Jail time can be contemplated as an option in particular circumstances, especially if there has been damage to property or injury.”

In this case, the truck driver was slapped with a 90-day driving prohibition and the truck he commandeered was impounded for 24 hours. It’s alarming to note that incidents like these are rare among commercial truck drivers, who typically undergo stringent screening protocols before being hired.

The company responsible for the truck, Surrey-based JMG Carrier, expressed their shock and disappointment in an official statement. They revealed that the driver had been hired in April after passing rigorous checks, including a drug test and criminal background review, and had recently returned from a leave of absence—checks that were reiterated just last week.

JMG Carrier stated emphatically, “The safety of the public, our drivers, and our clients is our utmost priority. This behaviour is unacceptable for a commercial driver, and we took immediate action to terminate the driver’s employment.”

Such incidents serve as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving, underscoring the need for vigilance on the roads. As investigations continue, the community in Port Coquitlam reflects on the close call and the potential consequences could have been far more devastating. Stay safe and informed—this shocking story raises important questions about road safety and the responsibilities of commercial drivers.