The message is simple: don’t drink and drive — yet it seems to not be sinking in for many in the South Okanagan.
“Apparently some people are still not getting the message,” said Cpl. Ted Manchulenko. “Regardless of the season you can’t drink and drive, you just can’t do it because we are going to find you and you are going to be held accountable.”
Last Friday was the kickoff for the annual RCMP CounterAttack campaign, and over a period of six hours (from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.), Mounties pulled a number of people off the road. Manchulenko said there was one Criminal Code charge for driving over 0.08, three administrative driving prohibitions, four immediate roadside prohibitions for three days, three 24-hour suspensions, one driver charged for driving while suspended and one prohibited driver located. In addition, 30 separate violation tickets were handed out.
B.C.’s tough impaired driving penalties helped reduce deaths by 40 per cent in the first year after they came into effect, according to preliminary figures released by the provincial government. Despite a recent ruling in B.C. Supreme Court that the most severe of B.C.’s new impaired driving penalties infringe on people’s constitutional rights to a fair trail, RCMP will not be reducing roadside CounterAttack checks.
Justice Jon Sigurdson ruled that increased roadside penalties, or IRP, for blowing in the “warn” range from 0.05 to 0.08 per cent of blood alcohol are permissible. Drivers who blow in the “fail” range of 0.08 and over should have a chance to challenge the decision if their vehicles are impounded for 30 to 90 days and they face thousands of dollars in administrative penalties. Sigurdson asked for submissions from the province and the driver who challenged the penalties to determine what comes next.
“Although the ruling is there and it sets us in a different direction, it really doesn’t negate the fact that we are going to be out there, especially in the holiday season for those that seemingly can’t get the picture,” said Manchulenko. “It is a little more complicated, more cumbersome and time consuming, but it’s not going to affect us in our plans to take drinking drivers off the road.”
Instead of issuing roadside suspensions and the driver goes on their way, now people suspected of being 0.08 or over will be taken to the RCMP detachment for a formal breathalyzer test. Manchulenko said, as a generalization, the suspected drunk driver will be put in a police car and taken to the detachment, spend approximately two to fours hours going through the breath tests and booking area — monitored at all times by officers as part of the investigation, leaving little privacy. Ultimately, Manchulenko said the person charged will have to contact a lawyer, pay any towing fees associated and become involved in the justice system — all coming at significant cost.
“It is not the way you want to spend your night, and if you are going to be drinking then driving shouldn’t even be built into the equation. It just makes no sense. Most people will say ‘This is embarrassing, terribly embarrassing’ and ‘Why did I do this, I know I shouldn’t.’ The simple answer is just don’t drink if you are going to drive. It is fairly straightforward,” said Manchulenko.
RCMP also want to remind people to slow down on the roads while they are busy shopping and preparing for the holidays. Last week there was a three-vehicle collision on the Channel Parkway that sent five people to hospital with minor bumps and bruises.
“There was pretty substantial damage to three vehicles and they are very, very lucky no one was seriously injured. Alcohol was not related in the accident at all, but this is a busy time for everyone and I would suggest to give yourself extra time, slow down, make a list and do things in order so everyone can get to where they are going safely,” said Manchulenko.
Pedestrians also need to be wary of drivers. Last Friday, a 69-year-old man was struck by a vehicle on South Main Street while crossing in the pedestrian crosswalk. Those on foot or riding a bike should be wearing bright clothing and pay close attention to vehicles.
“RCMP are hoping everyone can slow down just a little bit and think about what you are doing on the road to make sure everyone gets home safe,” said Manchulenko.
