Impaired driver runs into parked police car

Saanich police officers were investigating an impaired driver early on the morning of July 14 when one of their cruisers was hit by a second impaired driver.

Police officers were enforcing the 60 km/h speed limit in a construction zone on the TransCanada Highway near McKenzie Avenue when the incident occurred.

While officers were stationed in the construction zone, they received a citizen’s report that a driver showing signs of being impaired was headed their way. They intercepted the vehicle as it travelled east on the highway.

Officers were busy with the first vehicle when they spotted a second vehicle driving above the posted speed limit on McKenzie Avenue. As officers attempted to pull over the second vehicle — which had its headlights off — it collided with one of the parked police vehicles.

Both drivers were arrested at the scene for impaired driving.

“The officers, drivers and passengers were luckily not hurt in the collision, but the incident could have easily resulted in serious — or perhaps fatal — injuries,” police said in a statement.

The first driver failed a roadside breathalyzer test and will be prohibited from driving for 90 days. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

The second driver, a 31-yearold Saanich woman, is facing criminal impaired-driving charges. She also received a ticket for driving contrary to restriction, because she had a learner’s licence.

The construction-zone enforcement resulted in tickets for several drivers, who were clocked at speeds up to 40 km/h over the limit.