During the B.C. Police Winter CounterAttack Campaign numbers of drunk drivers nabbed went up and fatalities went down, making the province-wide program a success, said Cpl. Jamie Chung of "E" Division Traffic Services.
"There was a marked decrease in alcohol-related fatalities this year comparing to past years.
"Police believe the road checks our officers conducted during the campaign were effective in reducing the number of people killed at the hands of impaired drivers.
"Our goal has always been to improve public safety on our roadways. We will continue to use all applicable enforcement tools, including the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), to achieve our goal throughout the year," said Chung.
During the second half of the Winter CounterAttack Campaign, both the RCMP and city police in BC dealt with about 200 impaired drivers, 382 drivers who received a three-day IRP, of which 223 drivers had their vehicles impounded for 3 days, and five drivers who received a seven-day IRP of which four drivers had their vehicles impounded for seven days.
There were 670 drivers who received a 90-day IRP, with all 670 faced a mandatory 30-day vehicle impoundment while 159 drivers were charged with excessive speed with all having their vehicles impounded for at least seven days.
Overall, during the entire campaign 687 drivers were given a three or seven-day IRP, 1212 drivers were given a 90-day IRP and 280 drivers were charged with excessive speed.
"Again, if you don't wear your seat belts, drive dangerously or drive impaired, you will have to face the consequences," adds Chung.
