2013 saw nine fatalities on local roads
By Castlegar Source
Nine people died on regional roads last year and police are urging residents to drive safely, according to RCMP Cpl. John Ferguson.
“In 2013, the West Kootenay Traffic Services and West Kootenay Integrated Road Safety Unit had a very busy year,” Ferguson said. “We unfortunately had nine fatalities in the area. Of these nine fatalities, two were alcohol related and two were pedestrian fatalities. The other causal factors were speed, mechanical or distracted driving.
“Our condolences go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones.”
Ferguson said drinking and driving, seatbelt and distracted driving are leading factors in serious or fatal collisions.
“This year 90 impaired drivers were taken of the road and 120 suspensions were issued in the West Kootenay Boundary area. The units served 1,430 seatbelt tickets and 325 distracted driving charges (cell phone). Drug possession seems to be on the rise, with 500 drug seizures. Excessive speed charges (which goes with a seven-day seizure of the vehicle) is also on the rise with 63 seizures. The units served over 7,300 violation tickets.”
“The West Kootenay Traffic and IRSU units are striving to reduce crashes and injuries to our motoring public by enforcement and education in high crash areas. We urge all people to slow down, buckle up, stay off the cell phone and get a designated driver. The consequences of an impaired driving charge financially and emotionally on an individual are tremendous.”
Ferguson concluded by saying the West Kootenay Traffic and Integrated Road Safety Unit wish everyone a happy and safe 2014.
