B.C. man faces impaired driving charges over crash that killed Good Samaritan

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., whom family identified as Patrick Hare, had stopped to help a woman whose minivan hit a power pole on Highway 19A around 2:30 a.m. PT on March 2. Qualicum Beach is about 160 kilometres northwest of Victoria.

The 36-year-old woman driver was seriously injured and the passerby killed when a third vehicle, driven by a man from Coombs, about 7 km south of Qualicum Beach, crashed into them. 

B.C. 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.

Ronald Hare said in an interview in March that he saw his father Patrick's cellphone log, showing he'd called 911 three times as he waited with the woman for help, a testament to his selfless nature.

"That's why he stopped along the highway. He just didn't pass and keep driving on. He stopped to see what he could offer," he said. 

Patrick Hare and the woman were taken to hospital with serious injuries, but Hare died in a Victoria hospital.

'Extreme caution' urged

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

"In the last few months, I've personally dealt with at least four files that have involved people getting out of their vehicles to help after a major collision and they've gotten seriously hurt or killed themselves," McLaughlin said in an interview with CBC News.

"This is a really good sentiment that people have to want to help, but the first thing you need to remember is don't become a victim yourself. That's not going to help anybody."

People should exercise "extreme caution" on highways and consider whether they have reflective clothing, good footwear and are physically able to help before they stop, McLaughlin said in a press release.

"B.C. Highway Patrol will do everything we can to investigate and charge people who choose to drive while impaired by alcohol and drugs," McLaughlin added.

The statement said 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. If people have exited their vehicles, the best course of action is to move away from traffic. 

In a separate incident 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, about 480 km northeast of Vancouver.

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.