July is Summer CounterAttack Impaired Driving campaign
By Contributor
Police in British Columbia are always on the lookout for impaired drivers and, as summer is upon us, police throughout the province will be even more vigilant in their efforts to get impaired drivers off our roadways this July and beyond.
The entire month of July is dedicated to the Summer CounterAttack Impaired Driving Campaign and police across the province are stepping up enforcement amid easing COVID-19 restrictions.
Impairment means more than just alcohol impairment – it also means impairment by illegal drugs or prescription medication. In BC, an average of 67 people are killed every year in collisions where alcohol, drugs or medications* were contributing factors.
Too often our officers are put in the position of having to notify a family that they have lost a loved one due to an impaired driving collision, says Supt. Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC RCMP Traffic Services. We want people to enjoy the summer but we also want people to make good decisions and choose to drive sober every time they get behind the wheel. If you do plan to drink alcohol or consume drugs of any kind, have a designated driver or plan alternate ways home.
We also want to remind all motorists that the COVID-19 pandemic is not an excuse to disregard the law. Our officers are committed to road safety and there will be times when we have to encroach on personal space to fulfill our duties, like conducting roadside sobriety tests, for example. COVID-19 does not exempt anyone from complying with a lawful demand, nor will it prevent our officers from performing their duties as required.
Motorists can expect to see an increased presence on our highways throughout the province during this enhanced enforcement campaign and may experience short delays. Police are asking motorists to drive safely, and obey the directions of officers at any check-stop. Please drive safely every time you get behind the wheel. Bend the curve, don’t break the rules!
For more information go to:
• BC RCMP Traffic Services
• Impaired Driving
• RoadSafetyBC
• ICBC.com
(*Source: RoadSafetyBC – 5 year average 2014-2018 {10 year average = 76})
