‘Tis the season to be extra wary behind the wheel.
Along with the heat and the ensuing festivities like Canada Day, local roads become jam packed and, in turn, a bit dangerous.
In the Southern Interior alone, there are an average 22 people injured in 97 crashes every Canada Day.
Those who take to the roads after imbibing during summer months create an even more startling statistic. An average of 14 people are killed in impaired-related crashes during the summer months.
With that in mind, the B.C. government, RCMP and ICBC kicked off this summer’s CounterAttack campaign with a roadcheck to warn drivers that police are out looking for impaired drivers across the province.
“The tough approach we introduced in 2010 has helped curtail drinking and driving and cut the alcohol-related death toll on our roads by more than half,” said Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
“However, we know some people still don’t take the issue seriously. That’s why we’re ensuring an additional $1 million is available to police for enhanced enforcement overtime, such as CounterAttack. Targeted enforcement remains critical to intercepting those who continue to put other road users in danger.”
ICBC supports CounterAttack with funding for enhanced police enforcement and an education campaign which also promotes the use of designated drivers at venues where alcohol is served to make B.C.’s roads safer for everyone.
“We see the devastating results of impaired driving all too often which is why we’re committed to keeping impaired drivers off our roads,” said Inspector Ted Emanuels, “E” Division Traffic Services, RCMP. “Police all across B.C. will be out in full force looking for impaired drivers at CounterAttack roadchecks.”
For more tips and information on the summer CounterAttack campaign, visit icbc.com.
