Video shows B.C. commercial truck driver stumbling through roadside sobriety check

New video sent to CTV News shows a commercial truck driver struggling to stay on his feet during a sobriety check Monday afternoon in Port Coquitlam after allegedly crashing into multiple parked cars.

“The evidence pointed very clearly for us towards impaired driving,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with B.C. Highway Patrol.

The driver has been fired and is facing impaired driving charges after police say his tractor-trailer collided with four parked cars.

Investigators were called by an "alert citizen" who reported the truck driving erratically on the Mary Hill Bypass around 3 p.m., according to Mounties.

Before police arrived on scene, the truck hit four parked vehicles on nearby Industrial Avenue.

“Just look at the damage that happened with four parked cars. It doesn't take a huge leap in imagination to see that happening to people or pedestrians on the road,” McLaughlin told CTV News.

“Our investigators went straight to (the) Criminal Code. That's as serious as it can possibly be for a driver.”

The driver, who police did not identify, is scheduled to appear in a Port Coquitlam courtroom on March 12, 2025, on one count each of impaired operation of a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while over the legal limit for alcohol.

One criminal lawyer tells CTV News that the consequences in these circumstances can range from lengthy driving bans to hefty fines to jail time.

“Sentencing for impaired driving offenses can be relatively broad,” said Sarah Leamon.

"Jail time can be contemplated as an option in particular circumstances, but there would need to be some kind of aggravated circumstances to warrant that. So, for example, jail may be appropriate in cases where the person has a lengthy history of previous impaired-driving-related offenses, or where there has been damage to property or injury."

McLaughlin says the driver was handed a 90-day driving prohibition and the truck he was driving was impounded for 24 hours. He adds that it's very rare for police to see commercial truck drivers caught impaired behind the wheel.

'Shocked and disappointed'

In an emailed statement, the company that owns and operates the truck said the driver was hired in April and passed a rigorous screening process, including a drug test, a criminal record check and a review of his driving record.

Those checks were repeated last week after the driver returned to work following a leave of absence, the statement from Surrey-based JMG Carrier said.

"The safety of the public, our drivers, and our clients is our utmost priority. We are deeply concerned and disheartened to learn of the incident involving one of our drivers," the statement said.

"We are shocked and disappointed by the allegations of impaired driving in connection with this incident. Such behaviour is unacceptable for a commercial driver, and we took immediate action to terminate the driver's employment."

With files from CTV News Vancouver's Todd Coyne