'Your truck should not look like this': Calgary driver given hefty fine by B.C. RCMP for numerous safety concerns

A Calgary man is facing fines over $1,000 and had his tractor-trailer removed from the road after B.C. RCMP pulled him over and discovered a list of safety issues with the vehicle.

The 46-year-old man was pulled over on Sept. 26 at 7:45 a.m. near Malakwa, B.C. A highway patrol officer stopped the tractor-trailer unit in heavy rain and darkness, RCMP said in a news release, stating the vehicle had no functioning taillights.

The driver was able to present a valid Class 1 Alberta licence and insurance, but no electronic driver log. Officers also pointed out a significant amount of safety concerns with the vehicle and driver:

• Defective lights and brakes
• No windshield wipers
• A cracked windshield
• No front grill over the radiator
• A driver’s cab held together with ratchet straps
• Missing and defective seat belts
• Bald and defective tires
• Detached hydraulic and air lines
• A diesel leak
• A load of steel bars held down by gravity (insecure load)

Additionally, there was a one-year-old child in the vehicle being held by his mother, who had no seatbelt leaving both passengers unrestrained.

“Your truck should not look like this,” RCMP said.

Highway patrol issued the driver $1,674 in violation tickets, and the truck and trailer were removed from the road. The vehicle can not be re-licened until repairs are made at the owner’s expense.

“Motorists are acutely aware of the risks of unsafe big rigs, and B.C. Highway Patrol is always on the lookout and will take immediate action whenever we can,” said Sergeant Michael McLaughlin with B.C. Highway Patrol in a media release.

“We’re also going to support and encourage safe professional drivers by leveling the playing field and removing people who are cutting corners.”

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