Latest news with #CplMichaelMcLaughlin
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Mounties warn of ‘misinformation' about fake traffic law changes
A school zone speed sign is pictured in Saskatoon on June 7, 2022. (Chad Hills/CTV Saskatoon) Police in British Columbia are taking the unusual step of addressing online misinformation from 'disreputable websites' that falsely claim sweeping changes are coming to traffic laws across Canada. One such claim falsely states that school-zone speed limits will be in effect 24 hours a day across the country starting July 1. 'These websites are completely wrong, and social media and AI are amplifying the misinformation,' Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the B.C. Highway Patrol said in a statement Thursday. 'School zones are a provincial jurisdiction,' he added. 'There are no sweeping changes coming for Canada.' All school zone regulations in B.C. are in effect between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. unless otherwise stated on traffic signs. Some websites publishing false claims about 24-hour school zones are also promoting misinformation about the lowering of legal blood-alcohol limits for drivers and dramatic increases in fines for distracted drivers. The B.C. Highway Patrol urges anyone viewing traffic-related content online to consider the source of the information. 'Traffic law announcements should come from your provincial government. A website you've never heard of, or Ned from Facebook, are not reliable sources,' the statement said. 'When Canada-wide traffic changes are being implemented on short notice, and for no apparent reason, that is a red flag for savvy internet users.'
CTV News
11-05-2025
- CTV News
Witnesses sought in police-involved crash near Kamloops, B.C.
An RCMP cruiser is seen in this file photo. Police are seeking witnesses to a crash involving an unmarked police vehicle that occurred Saturday near Kamloops, B.C. According to a statement by BC Highway Patrol, an unmarked grey police pickup and a blue Ford Ranger pickup were both travelling northbound on Highway 5 just after 8:30 a.m. when the collision took place. The crash happened just south of Rayleigh, police said. The police officer, the 21-year-old Maple Ridge driver of the pickup and her 19-year-old passenger were taken to hospital as a precaution. Both cars were 'severely damaged' and traffic on the major highway was rerouted for around nine hours, the statement said. 'Police have spoken to multiple witnesses and collected multiple dash-camera videos, but we need to be thorough and we would welcome more witnesses,' said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. 'The investigation is in its early stages but there are no obvious indications of criminality to this point.' Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant dash camera video is asked to call the BC Highway Patrol, Kamloops line at 250-828-3111 and quote file number 2100 2025-1361.
