Mounties in British Columbia have approved six impaired driving charges against a man after a fatal crash near Qualicum Beach earlier this year. The B.C. RCMP Divisional Headquarters is seen in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

SURREY, B.C. - Mounties in British Columbia say six impaired driving charges have been approved against a 29-year-old man over a crash that killed an elderly Good Samaritan near Qualicum Beach earlier this year.

The 80-year-old man from Red Deer, Alta., had stopped to help a woman whose minivan hit a power pole on Highway 19A around 2:30 a.m. on March 2.

The 36-year-old woman driver was seriously injured and the passerby killed when a third vehicle, driven by a man from Coombs, B.C., crashed into them.

BC Highway Patrol says its investigation has led to six charges including dangerous driving causing death and operating a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by alcohol and cocaine.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol says in a news release that there have been "repeated incidents" of people getting hurt or killed while trying to help after a collision.

He says that while the police service "applauds the sentiment of anyone trying to help after a collision," highways are dangerous places and "extreme caution" needs to be exercised.

"BC Highway Patrol will do everything we can to investigate and charge people who choose to drive while impaired by alcohol and drugs," he adds.

The patrol says people should consider whether they have reflective clothing, good footwear and are physically able to help before they stop.

The statement says the best option is often to call 911 or wait for a professional, noting that people involved in minor crashes may be safer waiting for authorities in their car.

But it says that if people have exited their vehicles, the best course of action is to move away from traffic.

In June, a 70-year-old man was killed when he got out of his vehicle to help after a school bus went off Highway 97 near Lac La Hache in the B.C. Interior.

Police said the man was struck by an SUV whose driver could not see around a bend in the highway, and no criminality was involved.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version incorrectly said charges were approved by the RCMP. In fact, the BC Prosecution Service approved the charges.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2024