B.C. man charged with dangerous driving after elderly Good Samaritan killed in crash

The crash took place around 2:30 a.m. March 2, on Highway 19A near Qualicum Beach. (Courtesy: BC Highway Patrol)

A man is facing multiple charges of dangerous driving following a collision that led to the death of an 80-year-old Good Samaritan on Vancouver Island.

The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. March 2, near Qualicum Beach, BC Highway Patrol said in a statement issued Friday.

After a woman driving a minivan lost control and hit a power pole on Highway 19A, an 80-year-old man, in a separate car, stopped to help. Both drivers were outside their vehicles when another car crashed into the minivan and the two were struck, said the release.

The elderly man from Red Deer, Alta., was killed, while the 36-year-old minivan driver from Bowser, B.C., was seriously injured.

Following a BC Highway Patrol investigation into the incident, a man identified as 29-year-old Jacob Aaron Pardiac from Coombs, B.C., has been charged with six impaired driving offences.

Pardiac was charged with operation of a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by alcohol, operation of a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by cocaine, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm while impaired by alcohol, operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm while impaired by cocaine, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

“BC Highway Patrol will do everything we can to investigate and charge people who choose to drive while impaired by alcohol and drugs,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin in the statement.

“We have seen repeated incidents this year where people trying to help after a collision end up hurt or killed, and it’s terribly sad,” he said.

In light of the incident, BC Highway Patrol is asking people to “exercise extreme caution” when trying to help and clean up after a road crash.

Before assisting after a crash, police recommend people consider whether they have the physical ability to help, and whether they are wearing reflective clothing and good footwear to remain safe and seen by other drivers.

If conditions are treacherous for cars, they are treacherous for pedestrians, too, said BC Highway Patrol.

Bystanders offering to help should keep alert at all times, and call 911 to ensure the professionals can take over or help if they are unable to.

Drivers or passengers who have been involved in a minor crash could be safer staying in their cars and waiting for help, instead, police advised.

“BC Highway Patrol applauds the sentiment of anyone trying to help after a collision, but we all need to understand that highways are extremely dangerous places when fast-moving cars and trucks come across unexpected pedestrians,” said McLaughlin.