Constable James Grandy from the Oliver RCMP is reminding people to have a safe holiday and to not drink and drive. Here, he displays a roadside screening device that measures alcohol content when you blow into it.
Lyonel Doherty photo
This holiday season, the Oliver RCMP is reminding drivers to make the right choice before getting in to the driver’s seat.
Police are encouraging everyone to plan ahead and have designated drivers if they are going to be drinking during holiday celebrations.Impaired driving has devastating consequences. Not only does an impaired driver risk their life and the lives of others on the road, but he or she can face driving sanctions under the Immediate Roadside Prohibition Program (IRP) and even criminal charges.
The penalties associated to impaired driving charges can greatly impact your employment, your family and friends.
People should keep in mind that alcohol affects each person in different ways. Personal factors such as diet, use of prescription drugs, even fatigue can alter the way alcohol affects each person. Driving after using drugs, even prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Impaired driving is still one of the leading causes of serious injury or fatalities in British Columbia.
“While we have seen a slight decrease in the number of impaired driving cases in BC, too many British Columbians are still dying on our roads,” says Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP. “It is about making responsible choices. Planning ahead and making alternate arrangements helps ensure people get home safely and innocent people aren’t killed.”
Traffic services teams will be increasing their enforcement to prevent impaired driving through roadside checks and traffic stops.
Constable James Grandy of the Oliver RCMP said they are conducting regular checks in the community. So don’t risk drinking and driving; it can ruin your life and be devastating for others.
