A Burnaby driver allegedly impaired by alcohol hit a flag person in a Coquitlam construction zone early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, when a 24-year-old man was driving a Toyota Yaris westbound on Lougheed Highway near Colony Farm.

The driver allegedly struck a 33-year-old female flag person, who was controlling traffic at the entrance to the construction zone. The woman was thrown by the impact.

She was taken to hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. She was released later Sunday morning.

Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet said the initial investigation revealed alcohol was a factor in the accident.

"It definitely could have been a lot worse. The consequences here could have been tragic," Paquet said.

"This serves as a reminder when you see construction signs, slow down to the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Thousands of vehicles go in there day and night without any incidents. But obviously when you make the decision to drive with your ability impaired, you put not only yourself but everybody else at risk."

The driver was taken to the Coquitlam detachment and then released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.

WorkSafe B.C. is also investigating the incident.