RCMP catch multiple impaired drivers from Thursday evening enforcement program at Bill Murray Drive and First Avenue West

The Prince Rupert RCMP have outlined the details to some impaired driving enforcement that took place on Thursday evening, with the members of the Prince Rupert Detachment noting that in just 20 minutes of their work they had taken three impaired drivers off the roads.

The check-stop was located at the corner of Bill Murray Drive and 1st Avenue West which leads to Rotary Waterfront Park.

Tourists and the Olde Time Trolley at the corner of 1st Ave West and
Bill Murray today, last night  Prince Rupert RCMP members
conducted a Roadside Checkpoint at the location 

From their notes of Thursday, the RCMP relays the following:

On June 22, 2023 just before 11pm, the Prince Rupert RCMP conducted a checkstop at the intersection of 1st Ave W and Bill Murray Dr. 

As part of the checkstop, Mandatory Alcohol Screening was used which resulted in 3 impaired drivers being caught. 

"Checkstops allow us to set-up in a location and stop drivers in order to make sure they are licensed, insured and sober. The Mandatory Alcohol Screening allows us to demand a breath sample from every person operating a motor vehicle, into an Approved Screening Device, without needing suspicion of impairment. This is very effective to catch unlicensed, prohibited, uninsured and impaired drivers, as well as many other offences and deficiencies that ultimately jeopardizes public safety. 

With the summer kicked-off, we expect that all licensed establishments will get busier than before. The recent opening of the local brewery's new location is also likely to attract people in the area, which is a positive thing as long as people drink responsibly and plan their rides accordingly. The Prince Rupert RCMP will continue this type of enforcement and impaired drivers will be held accountable." --  Cst. Gabriel Gravel, Media Relations Officer with the Prince Rupert RCMP. 

As a reminder, the Prince Rupert RCMP have offered up primer on the legal limit for alcohol consumption and the consequences for those who do not follow the law.

While the legal limit in Canada according to the Criminal Code is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, most provinces have additional regulations. In British Columbia, drivers can face legal consequences up to including a $500 fine, a 30-day vehicle impoundment and a 90-day driving prohibition for driving with as little as 51mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The RCMP notes can be reviewed here.

More items of interest on the work of Emergency Responders across the Northwest is available here.