A Victoria rideshare driver found himself in hot water after being apprehended for impaired driving earlier this month.
The incident took place at the intersection of Douglas Street and View Street in Victoria on the evening of August 17th.
Officers from BC Highway Patrol – Capital Regional District – Integrated Road Safety Unit (BCHP-CRD-IRSU) were conducting enforcement operations focused on regulating ride-hailing, taxi, and limousine vehicles.
Collaborating with officers from Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) and Passenger Transportation Enforcement (PTE), the operation was aimed at the safety of passengers using various transportation services around the city.
The driver of the ride-hailing vehicle drew attention to himself after he was observed changing lanes recklessly.
Following the vehicle stop, the ensuing investigation raised suspicions that the driver was operating under the influence of drugs, prompting his subsequent arrest.
In light of these circumstances, the driver’s license was immediately suspended for a duration of 24 hours, and his vehicle was impounded.
The driver also faces charges under both the BC Motor Vehicle Act and Passenger Transportation Act. The ongoing investigation could potentially result in Criminal Code Charges being brought against the driver.
“Drivers of ride-hailing vehicles are in a position where they are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers,” said Staff Sergeant Adam Tallboy, acting OIC of BCHP Vancouver Island.
“As such, they are held to a high standard by their customers, employers and law enforcement. BC Highway Patrol is committed to working together with our partner agencies to uphold these standards on our highways.”
Victoria Buzz reached out to BCHP-CRD-IRSU to confirm which ridesharing company the man worked for but they said they would not release those details.
“We aren’t speaking to the specific rideshare company, but I can appreciate your intent to follow up with these companies to see how they deal with drivers who would put their customers at risk by driving while impaired,” said Cpl. / Cap. Mike Moore of the BC Highway Patrol.
“It is definitely concerning and I am very glad that our officers were able to intercept this vehicle in this instance.”
In a email statement to Victoria Buzz, Uber said based on the information provided, they were unable to locate a trip/confirm this happened with one of their drivers.
