Summer Counter-Attack Impaired Driving campaign underway

Safe travels on the province's highways will be a focus for the BC Highway Patrol
this summer both in the Northwest and across British Columbia
(image from Google Maps)

With the arrival of summer, will come summer travel and if you have plans to transit the provinces highways the B C Highway Patrol wants you to do so safely and to be aware of their enforcement plans for the next few months.

With the start of July the BC RCMP's Highway Patrol division has outlined its plans for a Counter-Attack Impaired Driving Campaign.

Police in British Columbia are always on the lookout for impaired drivers and, as summer is upon us, police throughout the province will be even more vigilant in their efforts to get impaired drivers off our roadways this July and beyond. 

The entire month of July is dedicated to the Summer CounterAttack Impaired Driving Campaign and police across the province are stepping up enforcement. Impairment means more than just alcohol impairment – it also means impairment by illegal drugs or prescription medication. 

In BC, an average of 65 people are killed every year in collisions where alcohol, drugs or medications* were contributing factors.

As part of what's ahead for motorists, those travelling the provincial highways and roads can expect to see an increased presence of RCMP patrols across the province during the enhanced enforcement campaign and as such, may experience short delays.

As the program continues through the summer, Police are asking motorists to drive safely, and obey the directions of officers at any check-stops you may encounter.

"Too often our officers are put in the position of having to notify a family that they have lost a loved one due to an impaired driving collision.

We want people to enjoy the summer but we also want people to make good decisions. If you do drive, please make it a habit to drive sober every time you get behind the wheel to help make our highways safer together." --  Chief Superintendent Holly Turton, Officer in Charge of BC Highway Patrol. 

Learn more about the enforcement plans this summer from this information release.

More notes on the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest can be explored here.