Hudson’s Hope RCMP monthly bulletin: March 28th to April 18th

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — Hudson’s Hope RCMP responded to 26 calls for service between March 28th to April 18th. 51 written violations and warning tickets were issued to drivers between the above dates for various motor vehicle-related offences. Highway and road safety continues to be a focus for the Hudson’s Hope RCMP.

On April 1st, Hudson’s Hope RCMP stopped a motorist along Highway 29 for excessive speed. The associated vehicle was confirmed to be travelling at rate of speed that was 69 kilometres/per hour over the posted speed limit within a construction zone. The driver of the vehicle was fined $483.00 and received a 7-day impound of the vehicle. 

On April 1st, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP stopped another motorist for excessive speed after their vehicle was confirmed to be travelling at a rate of speed that was 59 kilometres/per hour over the posted speed limit. This driver received a $368.00 fine and a 7-day impound of the vehicle. 

As of note: The Motor Vehicle Act for the Province of British Columbia, defines excessive speeding as driving at a speed greater than 41 kilometres/per hour over the posted speed limit. The faster you drive, the higher the fine becomes! Exceeding the posted speed limit by 41-60 kilometres/per hour comes with a $368.00 fine and a 7-day impound of your vehicle, along with tow and impound fees. Exceeding the posted speed limit by 60 kilometres/per hour comes with a fine of $483.00 and a 7-day impound of your vehicle, along with tow and impound fees.

Police can impound your vehicle for excessive speed and is as follows:

• Seven days for first offence,
• Thirty days for second offence within two years,
• Sixty days for any later offence within two years. 

On April 3^rd, the Hudson’s Hope received multiple reports of loose bison impeding traffic along Beryl Prairie Road. Police attended scene and located several big furry suspects running loose along the municipal roadway and trespassing onto private property. These incidents are being monitored and investigated by police and other associated Provincial Enforcement Agencies. If one of these loose furry beasts is observed in your front yard or raiding your gardens, you can report the incident to the Hudson’s Hope RCMP. 

On April 5^th, Hudson’s Hope RCMP stopped a motorist for excessive speed along Beattie Drive after the associated vehicle was confirmed to be travelling at a rate of speed that was 47 kilometres/per hour over the posted speed limit within the school zone. The driver received a fine of $368.00 and a 7-day impound of the vehicle. 

As of note: Police Officers are granted an exemption under Section 122 of the Motor Vehicle Act that allows them to exceed the posted speed limits when in the course of their duty (ie: to close the distance on a speeding motorist or when enroute to an emergency situation). Also, police may respond without using emergency lights and sirens, to an incident where the risk of harm to the public through using emergency equipment outweighs the risk of responding without it. (This exemption does not apply in school or playground zones). 

On April 8^th, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of an unidentified flying object with red and white lights, over the Peace River area. Upon investigation, it was found that the UFO was a drone that was being used by a company to locate hotspots amongst the slash piles that were being burnt off in the river valley. 

Being that spring is technically upon us again (finally), the Hudson’s Hope RCMP would like to remind residents to be aware of the emerging bears from their long hibernations. Upon emerging from their long cozy earth dens, bears will be quite slow and groggy for several days, however, during this time, bears will be quite hungry and will be looking for easy meals, (ie: left out garbage, compost piles, gardens, small pets, etc.)

That being said, if one is to become face-to-face with one of these furry creatures, please remember the following tips: 

• Do not yell “awwwww” and try to get a selfie with said bear! They are not friendly and will taste test you! 
• Stay calm, your calm behaviour can reassure the bear, 
• Speak to the bear, talk calmly and firmly (and in English…Spanish seems to rile them up!),
• Do not turn and run but rather back away slowly while facing the bear, 
• Make yourself appear BIG, pick up small children and stay within a group (if with others), 
• If have a backpack on, do not remove it as it can provide protection should the bear attack, 
• If planning an outdoor excursion in bear country, make lots of noise, travel in groups if able to, and carry bear spray (always examine the expiration date on the spray…could be a bad time to discover that your bear spray has expired and is no longer potent!), and lastly, if you have to use the bear spray, pay attention to the wind direction. Spraying yourself only makes it easier for the bear, and now you have also seasoned yourself!  

Anyone with information regarding current or past investigations can contact the Hudson’s Hope RCMP directly at 250-783-5241 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Visit http://crimestoppersnebc.ca for advice on submitting tips online and to browse the areas “Most Wanted” page. 

Written by A/Cpl. Erich Schmidt with the Hudson’s Hope RCMP