Constable Jody Rausch speaks to a driver during a CounterAttack road check on Hwy. 3 last year. Osoyoos RCMP will be setting up CounterAttack road checks again this season. (Richard McGuire photo)
Did you know an average of 29 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving in the Southern Interior of British Columbia every year?
The provincial government, RCMP and ICBC are urging drivers to plan ahead and make smart decisions to get home safely this holiday season.
Police will once again be setting up CounterAttack roadchecks throughout B.C. this month to help keep impaired drivers off the roads.
While attitudes toward drinking and driving have changed considerably over the years, 86 lives are still lost every year in B.C., representing more than a quarter of all car crash fatalities.
The government announced last week that CounterAttack roadchecks would be set up by police across the province to keep impaired drivers off our roads throughout December.
ICBC is helping to prevent impaired driving throughout December with an education campaign, funding for CounterAttack roadchecks and promotion of designated drivers with businesses, sports facilities and community groups.
It’s also the 20th year that ICBC has supported Operation Red Nose, a volunteer service in 25 B.C. communities that provides safe rides to drivers who have been drinking or feel too tired to drive during the holidays.
This service is available now until December 19 on Friday and Saturday nights and on New Year’s Eve.
Suzanne Anton, B.C.’s Minister of Justice, said these initiatives help save lives.
“We’ve made significant progress but too many people are still losing their lives due to impaired driving,” said Anton. “CounterAttack remains a key part of our provincial enforcement strategy and further reducing crashes involving alcohol and drugs makes our roads safer for British Columbians.”
Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee, said police will do everything in their power to ensure those who insist on drinking and driving will be caught.
“Every holiday season we see people who think they’re okay to drive but end up causing life-changing crashes,” said Dubord. “That’s why officers across the province are dedicated to keeping impaired drivers off our roads. We can all help prevent these crashes by always planning a safe ride home. Plan ahead.”
Mark Blucher, ICBC’s president and CEO, said everyone deserves to arrive home safely during the busy holiday season.
“We want everyone to enjoy a safe holiday season with their family and friends so make sure you plan ahead for a safe ride home,” said Blucher.
“Whether you’re attending a holiday get-together or meeting friends to watch a game, take your turn as the designated driver, call a taxi, take transit or use Operation Red Nose.”
Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said making smart decisions and planning ahead is the smart thing to do when it comes to driving over the holiday season.
“Winter holidays are a busy time on our roads as everyone makes plans to see family and friends,” said Stone. “But getting home safely should be the most important part of your holiday plans this year. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of car crash fatalities in our province. Do your part and don’t let friends or family get behind the wheel if they are impaired.”
RCMP Sgt. Mike Pears, from Central Interior Traffic Services, said police won’t have any mercy.
“We’re committed to getting impaired drivers off our roads this holiday season,” said Pears, Central Interior Traffic Services. “Our officers will be looking for impaired drivers where and when you least expect it. We can all help prevent these crashes by always planning ahead for a safe ride home.”
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Osoyoos Times
