Driver in North Van suspended for impairment

A driver who was caught going the wrong way on Highway 1 in North Vancouver early Monday has been issued an immediate 90-day prohibition after police say she failed a breathalyzer.

According to the North Vancouver RCMP, officers received word from witnesses who said they saw a white Kia heading west in the eastbound lanes near the Lynn Valley exit just before 3 a.m.

The vehicle, which had a flat tire, was eventually found by officers near the Westview Drive exit after the driver stopped by a flagger’s vehicle.

Mounties say officers “noted signs of impairment” when they spoke with the driver, a woman in her 30s from Burnaby, prompting a road-side breath test.

In addition to a 90-day roadside prohibition, the woman’s vehicle was also impounded for a month.

“Wrong way drivers on a highway pose an extreme danger to motorists, especially when they are impaired,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak.

He says it’s fortunate officers were able to find the driver “before a collision occurred.”

Mounties note penalties for impaired driving can include driving suspensions of up to 90 days, vehicle impoundment, fines up to $4,060, jail time, mandatory rehab, and the installation of an interlock in your vehicle.

The RCMP is asking anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver to call police as soon as it’s safe to do so, and to provide as much information as possible about the vehicle and driver.