Quick action by concerned residents is being credited with the apprehension of an impaired driving suspect who struck a man on Northwest Bay Road Thursday.
Oceanside RCMP Corporal Jesse Foreman said the incident took place just after 10:30 a.m. on August 9 when a 64-year-old Nanoose Bay woman was driving to Nanaimo.
He said the woman swerved after taking a corner past Powder Point Road and left the roadway just as a 62-year-old Nanoose Bay man was walking on the side of the road. The man jumped to avoid the car but was hit by the woman’s side view mirror, hurting his wrist.
Foreman said the driver continued on her way as if nothing had happened.
Several witnesses called 911 to report the erratic driving behaviour however, allowing officers from the Oceanside and Nanaimo RCMP as well as the RCMP’s Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services to intercept and stop the motorist on Millstream bridge and Highway 19 in Nanaimo before any further damage occurred.
The woman provided breath sample, which Foreman said showed she was highly intoxicated.
Her vehicle was impounded and she received an immediate 90-day driving suspension.
The investigation is ongoing and therefore, no name will be released.
“Impaired motorists are always a great concern. However, an impaired motorist on the roads in the morning ads a further element of danger as streets are crowded with pedestrians and motorists,” Foreman said.
“Thank goodness nobody else was seriously injured. Thank you to the pedestrians and motorists who witnessed the event and then called 911 without hesitation.”