Imagine racing down a highway at nearly double the speed limit, only to claim you were trying to outrun an elk. Sounds far-fetched, right? Well, that’s exactly what one Alberta man tried to pull off—and it didn’t end well for him. His SUV was impounded, and now his story has become a cautionary tale for drivers everywhere. But here’s where it gets controversial: was he really trying to avoid an elk, or was this just a flimsy excuse to justify reckless driving? Let’s dive in.
Earlier this year, a driver from Alberta found himself in hot water after being caught speeding excessively near Moyie, B.C. According to a press release from the BC Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on the evening of December 30. An officer spotted a Mercedes ML400 speeding on Highway 3/95, clocking in at a staggering 160 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. When pulled over, the driver claimed he was speeding to avoid an elk—a story that didn’t sit well with authorities.
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, spokesperson for the BC Highway Patrol, didn’t mince words in his response. “The top speed of a North American elk is around 70 km/h,” he explained. “While these animals are both majestic and athletic, there’s no need to nearly double the speed limit to avoid them. A 100 km/h zone gives you plenty of room to drive safely without putting yourself or others at risk.”
And this is the part most people miss: Speeding isn’t just about breaking the law—it’s about the potential consequences. Cpl. McLaughlin added, “Instead of inventing questionable excuses, drivers should plan ahead, leave earlier, and stick to the speed limit. It’s far cheaper and less stressful than dealing with impound fees and tickets.”
The driver’s excuse didn’t just fall flat—it landed him a $483 fine for excessive speeding, plus the cost of towing and a seven-day impound. But here’s a silver lining: no elk were harmed during this incident. Cpl. McLaughlin warned, “If you collide with an elk at 160 km/h, the outcome will be devastating for both you and the animal.”
This story raises a thought-provoking question: How far should we go to justify breaking traffic laws? While avoiding wildlife is a valid concern, does it ever warrant endangering lives? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the driver’s excuse was legitimate, or was this a clear case of reckless driving? One thing’s for sure: this incident serves as a stark reminder that speeding never pays off. For more updates on B.C. news, visit Castanet News.
