A Delta dump truck driver and his company are facing stiff fines and inspections after two wheels on the truck fell off and one collided with another vehicle on Highway 1 in Abbotsford on Thursday (Nov. 28).
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said the collision occurred just before 11 a.m. on Highway 1 near the No. 3 Road offramp.
He said the dump truck was heading east in the passing lane when the wheels came loose. One crossed the highway and struck a westbound SUV head-on, causing serious damage.
McLaughlin said BC Highway Patrol worked with officers from Commercial Vehicle and Safety Enforcement to lay two charges against the truck driver: making a false or deceptive pre-trip statement (a fine of $598) and driving a vehicle that is not in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act (a fine of $109).
“In addition to over $700 in fines, the 10-year-old dump truck was removed from the road and ordered to undergo a complete, mandatory inspection and repairs at the truck company’s expense,” McLaughlin said.
“This was completely preventable with a proper pre-trip inspection. BC Highway Patrol has a low tolerance for commercial vehicles that are not properly maintained.”
McLaughlin said neither impairment nor distraction appeared to be factors in the incident.
The elderly driver of the SUV did not appear to have serious injuries, but she was taken to hospital as a precaution, he said.
The 60-year-old driver of the dump truck was unhurt.
