Cops are cracking down on impaired driving this holiday season.
“Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have kicked the holiday road checks into high gear,” the detachment said in a Facebook post on Dec. 6.
Several violation tickets were issued Dec. 5, including two 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions and a 24-hour roadside suspension. Violation tickets were also issued for no insurance, no driver’s license, open liquor in a vehicle and failing to stop for police.
“This serves as a good reminder that police will be out conducting road checks throughout the month of December. Don’t drink and drive.”
According to the BC RCMP Traffic Services, enforcement efforts have been increased across the province to stop impaired driving throughout December.
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Dubbed CounterAttack, the RCMP and ICBC launched the impaired driving campaign Dec. 1.
“The provincial, month-long CounterAttack impaired driving campaign includes the National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day and a one-day provincial blitz when motorists can expect to see a heightened police presence in many areas of the province targeting impaired drivers,” said Cpl. Mike Halskov with RCMP Traffic Services.
“Traffic Services Units and Detachments throughout the province will be implementing their respective enforcement plans on various dates throughout the month.”
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According to provincial statistics, 65 people die each year, on average, in collisions where alcohol, drugs or medication is involved, which makes impaired driving fatalities one of the leading causes of death on B.C. roadways, RCMP said.
Halskov said police will be using every resource available to get impaired drivers off the road including standardized field sobriety testing and specially-trained drug recognition experts.
“A small decision can have great consequences,” said Supt. Davis Wendell, the Officer in Charge of BC RCMP Traffic Services. “If you are planning on drinking or using drugs this holiday season, please do not drive. By finding an alternative way home such as public transit, taxi or a designated driver you can ensure that you, and others sharing the road with you, get to their destination safely. Please make it your habit to drive sober every time you get behind the wheel.”
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