Impaired Driving Can Get You Arrested

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 The RCMP will be setting up CounterAttack road checks throughout the province to reduce the carnage on our roads caused by impaired drivers.

CounterAttack road checks raise public awareness about road safety and remove impaired drivers from our roadways. It is an effective deterrence against drunk drivers. Although the fatality and injury rates are decreasing, the ultimate goal is not to have any alcohol-related collisions. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

Despite the progress that has been made since 1977 when CounterAttack was introduced; impaired driving continues to be a serious problem. Many people still believe it is alright to drink and drive. On average, 133 lives are lost and 3,400 people are injured in approximately 5,600 impaired-related crashes each year.

The RCMP will be using all available enforcement tools to keep impaired drivers off our roads.

Failing or refusing to submit to a breath-test or drug evaluation carries the same Criminal Code of Canada penalties as impaired driving.

• If the breath test results are ‘Over .05’ or you are deemed to be impaired by a qualified assessing officer, you will be prohibited from driving for 24 hours. 
• If you provide a breath-test that is ‘Over .08’ or refuse to provide a breath-test you are subject to a 90 day Driving Prohibition regardless of whether or not you are subsequently charged or convicted of impaired driving.

If alcohol is part of your holiday festivities, plan ahead for a safe ride home.

Here are some of the things that you can do:

• Arrange for a designated driver, use transit, take a taxi, or call a sober friend/family member for a ride
• Operation Rednose
• BCAA’s free tow pilot program
• Spend the night at a friend’s house
• Walk

AND NEVER get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.

There is no quick way to sober up. Contrary to popular belief - food, coffee, cold showers or exercise will not speed up the elimination of alcohol from your body. The only thing that reduces the effects of alcohol is time. Make the right choice and completely separate driving from drinking.