Some drivers in the North Okanagan aren’t getting the message when it comes to impaired driving.
And that is a real worry as the holiday celebratory season continues. Many people are on the road to visit family, both locally and on area highways that are often challenging to drive at this time of year.
In British Columbia, drunk driving is the third highest factor contributing to motor vehicle fatalities behind speed and distracted driving.
This after nearly 40 years of Counter Attack impaired driving campaigns, including decades of media campaigns and enforcement efforts throughout the North Okanagan.
We cannot fault the RCMP for these types of statistics, for they are diligently out on patrol, conducting roadside checks and pulling over suspected impaired drivers. Tonight, officers will be found throughout Vernon and other area communities and there will be a significant enforcement presence at Silver Star Mountain Resort.
RCMP officers are the ones making our community a little safer by pulling impaired drivers off the road.
However, they can’t do it all by themselves. We as a community must take responsibility too, and drive responsibly.
Those who do observe the law can also help by calling 911 if they suspect a driver of being impaired, or by asking someone for their car keys at a party.
Have a fun New Year’s Eve with friends and family but be responsible about how you are going to get home.
Call a loved one or a friend, or call a cab. Please, we implore you, don’t drink or drug and drive.
— Black Press
