A driver from Alberta offered an unusual explanation to police after being caught driving at an extremely high speed in British Columbia: he blamed an elk.
The High-Speed Incident
According to the B.C. Highway Patrol, the incident occurred when officers detected a vehicle travelling at a dangerously excessive rate of speed. The driver, operating a Mercedes, was clocked at over 200 kilometres per hour on a highway in British Columbia.
When police stopped the vehicle, the male driver from Alberta provided a surprising reason for his actions. He claimed that his high speed was a reaction to an elk on or near the roadway. The implication was that he accelerated to avoid a potential collision with the large animal.
Police Response and Charges
The B.C. Highway Patrol did not find the explanation credible or acceptable for such a severe violation of traffic laws. Driving at more than double the typical highway speed limit poses a significant risk to public safety.
As a result, the driver was issued a violation ticket for excessive speeding. In British Columbia, penalties for this offence are severe and can include a hefty fine, a vehicle impoundment, and a driving prohibition.
A Reminder on Wildlife and Driving
While encounters with wildlife like elk, deer, and moose are a real hazard on Canadian roads, especially in regions like British Columbia and Alberta, safety experts advise against drastic manoeuvres at high speed. Sudden swerving or excessive acceleration can lead to a loss of control, resulting in a potentially worse crash.
The standard defensive driving recommendation is to brake firmly and steer straight if a collision with a large animal is unavoidable, as this generally offers the best chance of maintaining control of the vehicle.
This incident, reported on January 9, 2026, serves as a stark reminder that while wildlife is a legitimate concern, it does not justify driving at speeds that endanger everyone on the road. The B.C. Highway Patrol continues to enforce speed limits strictly to ensure the safety of all travellers.
