ICBC and the RCMP are raising awareness around impaired driving as we get into the holiday season.
The Winter Impaired Driving Campaign is underway and runs until the end of December.
“Police have been working with ICBC and partners around the province since 1977 on our counter-attack program,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“The whole idea is to encourage people to be more safe on the road. If you are going to take alcohol or even drugs plan ahead, use a designated driver, call a taxi, ride share or take transit if you can.”
He says impaired driving is the cause of 21 per cent of all fatal crashes.
“The facts are that we still have an average of more than 2,000 police-reported crashes that are related to impaired driving every year in B.C.,” he added.
“Over 1,400 people get hurt and about 61 people die every year because of impaired driving.”
Even though this campaign is focused on impaired driving, McLaughlin says it’s also a good reminder for other safe driving practices.
“No matter what you’re doing take driving more seriously. Plan ahead and slow down. That’s one of the best things you can do, just give yourself enough time and that increases your reaction time if anything does go wrong,” he said.
“Make sure your vehicle is in really good repair. Do you have good tires and are the brakes in good order?”
And the same goes for distracted driving.
“Don’t be distracted when your driving. Even eating or drinking something or talking to your passengers is taking your attention away from the road.”
Drivers caught operating a vehicle while impaired can face driving suspensions from 24 hours to 90 days, vehicle impoundment, fines from $600 ​to $4,060 and jail time.
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