Erratic driver forces cars off road, prompts 911 calls in Vernon

RCMP in Vernon responded to multiple 911 calls on Sunday evening, reporting an SUV driving erratically, heading straight into oncoming traffic and forcing cars off the road.

When police arrived to 25th Avenue near 43rd Street, they found a blue SUV had gone off the road hitting a light pole, causing extensive damage to both the vehicle and pole.

The driver displayed noticeable signs of impairment, police said.

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The driver was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was treated for minor injuries.

He was then taken back to the RCMP detachment where he refused to provide a breath sample.

Further investigation revealed the man was prohibited from driving Canada-wide.

Several separate witnesses called 911 to report the erratic behaviour of this driver and motorists on the road and pedestrians were lucky to not have been injured during this careless act of alleged impaired driving, Const. Kelly Brett said in a news release.

The 40-year-old Vernon man appeared in court on Wednesday and faces possible charges including impaired operation of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to provide breath samples and driving while prohibited.