BC driver charged, fined after dump truck's tire falls off and smashes into SUV

A BC dump truck driver and his company are facing hefty fines and inspections after a truck’s tire fell off and collided with another vehicle.

The BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) said the collision happened around 11 am on Thursday on Highway 1 in Delta.

BCHP officers learned that the eastbound dump truck was driving in a passing lane when two of its wheels came loose. One of the wheels crossed the highway and hit a SUV, causing “serious damage.”

The elderly driver of the SUV did not appear to have serious injuries, but she was taken to the hospital as a precaution, the BCHP said in a news release.

The BCHP said it has a low tolerance for commercial vehicles that are not properly maintained.

“In addition to nearly $700 in fines, the ten-year-old dump truck was removed from the road and ordered to undergo a complete, mandatory inspection and repairs at the truck company’s expense,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.

“This was completely preventable with a proper pre-trip inspection.”

Two charges are being laid against the 60-year-old dump truck driver.

That includes making a false or deceptive pre-trip statement, which comes with a fine of $598 and driving a vehicle that is not in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act, which includes a fine of $109.

The driver was unhurt and impairment or distraction are not considered to be factors in the incident, the BCHP said.