A Quebec broker has been found guilty of causing serious injuries to two friends in a wrong-way highway accident. Élodie Bouffard, a 27-year-old real estate agent, was convicted last week at the Montreal courthouse on all counts of dangerous driving and impaired driving.
Details of the Incident
In August 2021, Bouffard traveled to Montreal with friends Jessica Chouinard and Christina Tremblay to celebrate a birthday. The night began with a visit to a bar in Old Montreal followed by a boozy brunch at a friend’s house in Laval.
After consuming multiple alcoholic beverages, including sparkling wine and cocktails, Bouffard was designated as the driver. Despite this responsibility, around 2:25 AM, she exhibited signs of impaired balance, as captured by surveillance cameras.
Critical Moments Before the Accident
After waiting more than an hour for Bouffard to “sober up,” she attempted to leave the parking lot in a Toyota Yaris. She struggled with the payment terminal, attributing her difficulty to her high heels. However, the judge concluded she was unaware of her surroundings.
Shortly after, around 4:20 AM, Bouffard drove onto the wrong exit of Highway 40, ignoring two “No Entry” signs. Witnesses observed her traveling against oncoming traffic, raising concerns about her impaired judgment.
The Collision
Seconds later, Bouffard collided with three vehicles on the highway. While she was agitated and aware, her friends were left unconscious and severely injured.
Blood Alcohol Concentration Findings
- Bouffard’s blood alcohol level was estimated at 104 mg/100 ml.
- This was just below the legal limit at the time of testing, more than two and a half hours after the crash.
Chouinard and Tremblay had no clear memories of the weekend. Reports indicated they narrowly escaped death, with both requiring multiple surgeries and long recoveries in the hospital.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Élodie Bouffard is scheduled to return to the Montreal courthouse soon for further proceedings relating to her conviction. The case has drawn significant public interest due to the severity of the accident and the critical condition of the victims.
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