Mercedes driver from Alta. blamed elk for his excessive speeding, B.C. Highway Patrol says

A male elk wanders through the grass along the Vermillion Lakes near Banff, Alta., on No. 1, 2000. (CP PHOTO/Adrian Wyld)

An Alberta driver had his Mercedes SUV impounded last week after being caught speeding in B.C.’s East Kootenays—and giving what police described as a “questionable” excuse for his behaviour.

B.C. Highway Patrol said the driver was pulled over after an officer clocked him going 160 km/h in a 100 km/h zone near the unincorporated community of Moye on Dec. 30.

Asked why he was speeding, the man reportedly said he was trying to avoid elk.

In a statement, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin noted that the maximum speed of a North American elk is approximately 70 km/h.

“They are just as athletic as they are majestic, but if you feel the need to get away, you still have plenty of room to spare in a 100 km/h zone,” McLaughlin said.

“Instead of coming up with questionable excuses, consider leaving slightly earlier, slowing to the speed limit, and saving yourself the cost and hassle of losing your vehicle to an impound.”

McLaughlin also noted that hitting an elk at speeds of 160 km/h would “end very badly for you, and very badly for the elk.”

“Luckily, no elk were harmed during this incident,” he said.

The driver was handed $483 ticket for excessive speeding under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act, which has two tiers of fines for those caught going 40 km/h or 60 km/h over the posted limit.

His SUV was also towed away and impounded for seven days, at the owner’s expense.