Image: BC Highway Patrol / Provided / A speeding driver had to refuel his van after using his low gas tank as an excuse to speed.

By Alyssa Conti

SPEEDING DRIVER

Police catch speeding van near Merritt, find 7 passengers not wearing seatbelts

Aug 22, 2025 | 11:25 AM

MERRITT — A speeding driver who was trying to save on gas got nearly $1,000 worth of tickets after police found seven of his passengers without a seatbelt– including an improperly secured toddler.

On August 16, just after 7 p.m., BC. Highway Patrol stopped a grey minivan on Highway 97C near Hamilton Hill Road after it was clocked doing 136 km/h in a 100 zone.

There were nine passengers in the eight-seater van, and the driver said he had sped because he was nearly out of gas.

“We explained to the driver that speeding dramatically worsens your fuel economy,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.

“And sure enough, the van ran out of gas at roadside. Meanwhile, the driver could not explain why only 2 out of 9 people were wearing seatbelts, or why a 3-year-old’s car seat had no functioning buckles.”

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The 36-year-old Edmonton driver was issued $472 in tickets for speeding, allowing passengers without a seatbelt and improperly restraining a child.

Three passengers received $501 in fines for failing to wear their seatbelts, and the driver had to pay for a cab to bring fuel and remove the extra occupant.

“There are many reasons to slow down. You will very likely avoid police attention, and you will be much safer,” added Corporal McLaughlin. “If you get into a collision at high speed, every person who is not wearing a seatbelt will die. You do not want that on your conscience.”