RCMP Out In Full Force This Season

What do you get when 49 traffic officers from 14 RCMP Detachments, Municipal Police Forces, and Provincial Enforcement Units hit the Trans Canada and major highways for one night, from the Capital to Port Hardy? The answer is safer roads, and the following results...

• Provincial Violation tickets (traffic tickets): 201
• Notice and orders (vehicle safety deficiencies): 68
• Vehicles towed: 5
• 215s for alcohol (24 hour license suspensions): 19
• 215s for drugs (24 hour license suspensions): 1
• Drug seizures: 1
• Criminal Impaired drivers: 3
• Liquor seizures/charges: 3
• Administrative driving prohibitions
  and resulting vehicle impounds: 6
• Drug Recognition Expert checks: 1
• Drive while suspended: 1
• Breach of Recognizance (criminal court): 1
• Commercial Vehicle inspections: 14
• Outstanding warrants executed: 2
• Served Driving Prohibition Notices: 7
• Automatic License Plate Reader Checks: 895.....8 hits.

This one night blitz, held on the evening of Friday, December 4th, was a visual, high impact way of reminding motorists at the start of the Holiday Season, that police will be out in full force, keeping our roads safe for all road users. As in years past, we will not tolerate drug or alcohol impaired driving, aggressive driving, or criminal driving on Island roadways.

"Our traffic officers see the tragic results of dangerous or criminal driving behaviour", states Inspector Ted Smith, Commander of the RCMP's Island District Traffic Services. "We are once again partnering with ICBC, and other community groups, to remind driver's that there are alternatives to driving, after drinking alcohol. The choice is an individual one, but the results are not. Make the right choice this Holiday Season."

All law enforcement agencies on Vancouver Island will continue to work together on this campaign throughout the holiday season. Expect to see us anytime, anywhere. If you are stopped, and your commute is delayed, we thank you for your patience.

If you suspect you are witnessing an impaired driver, or dangerous driver, contact your nearest police by calling 9-1-1. If you can, record the license plate, a vehicle description, direction of travel, and any other distinguishing features of the vehicle. Call police only when it is safe for you to do so.

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SAFETY TIPS

• Remember that drinking and driving starts with your first drink. Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, coordination and visual function; your ability to steer, track moving objects and brake; and your ability to control your speed and lane position.
• Make a smart choice: choose a designated driver before going out, keep money aside for a bus or taxi, call a friend or stay overnight.
• Don’t get in a car with a driver who has been drinking alcohol. Ask to get out of the car if necessary.
• If you see an impaired driver, report it to your local police detachment—call 911.
• Talk about the issue often with your family and friends.
• No amount of coffee, cold showers or fresh air will make you sober. The only cure is time. It takes about six hours for your body to eliminate all the alcohol if you have a blood alcohol concentration reading of .08 (the legal limit).

Visit the ICBC Road Safety page for more information and tips.