Edmonton driver says he was speeding because he was nearly out of gas: B.C. RCMP

An Edmonton man was clocked doing 136 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in B.C. last week. (Source: RCMP)

An Edmonton man and his passengers received nearly $1,000 in tickets after they were pulled over in B.C. last week.

The 36-year-old man was clocked driving 136 km/h in a 100 km/h zone just after 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 near Merritt, B.C., RCMP said.

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He then told officers he was driving fast because he was running out of gas, police said.

“We explained to the driver that speeding dramatically worsens your fuel economy,” Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said.

“And sure enough, the van ran out of gas at roadside.”

There were also nine people in an eight-seat van; only two out of nine people were wearing seatbelts; and a three-year-old’s car seat had no functioning buckles, Mounties said.

The driver was fined for speeding, having passengers without seatbelts and improperly restraining a child.

Three passengers were fined for failing to wear a seatbelt.

The driver also had to pay for a taxi to bring gas and take the extra passenger, RCMP said.