"Focus on the road."
You've likely heard that message from police for the 1,000th time, but some Coquitlam commuters are simply ignoring it entirely.
Safe Driving Week, which encourages drivers to slow down, just ended on Tuesday (Dec. 7). But the latest cases of reckless driving took place during that campaign within an 80-minute span and both clocked in at more than double the posted speed limit.
One involved a rushing Volkswagen Golf along the Mary Hill Bypass (Highway 7B) before 1:15 a.m., Dec. 3.
Coquitlam RCMP caught the driver going 154 km/h at the stretch's intersection with Shaughnessy Street. That's 120 per cent faster than the posted 70 km/h zone.
Earlier that night, before 11 p.m. on Dec. 2, a Mitsubishi Lancer was clocked at 105 km/h in a 50 zone near the intersection of David Avenue and Shaughnessy Street.
"Driving is a task that requires your complete attention to the road," said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Paige Kuz, who noted the speedsters were also caught during a time when rain was downpouring on and off and snowfall was in the forecast.
"Inclement weather, unexpected actions from fellow drivers, and challenging situations can all arise at a moment’s notice, making it crucial for Canadians to keep their eyes on the road at all times," said Kuz. "Speed, distraction, impairment, fatigue, and lack of seatbelt use continue to be issues on the roadways."
Each driver had their vehicles impounded for seven days. Both were issued a $368 fine for excessive speeding and the Mitsubishi's driver was also slapped an extra $109 fine for failing to display an "L" or "N" sign.
Kuz urges the community to practice smarter driving habits, explaining everyone out on the road shares the responsibility of getting home safe.
"This year, we are asking motorists if it’s really worth speeding or driving impaired or reading that Tweet? Unsafe driving behaviours can lead to the risk of fines, suspensions, impounds, injuries or even death."
Coquitlam RCMP issued 154 traffic tickets last month, including 65 for speeding.
That's a decrease of 62 per cent compared to the 406 handed out in October.
