B.C. announces changes aimed at reducing overpass crashes [Video]

The B.C. government is proposing jail time and six-figure fines if commercial drivers are responsible for striking provincial infrastructure.

On Tuesday morning, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced proposed changes to the Commercial Transport Act that would enable the courts to impose fines reaching $100,000, as well as imprisonment up to 18 months upon conviction for violations.

“With these new penalties, we are taking the strongest action possible to keep our roads safe and to keep people, goods and services moving,” said Rob Fleming, the minister of transportation and infrastructure, in a statement announcing the changes.

“This also sends a message to commercial truck drivers that they are responsible for the safe transportation of goods and services on our roads, and a lax attitude toward safety will not be tolerated.”

“Nobody sets out to hit an overpass,” said Dave Earle, president of the B.C. Trucking Association.

“What this does …