ICBC and police team up for annual summer campaign

Summer can be a deadly time on B.C. roads, with nearly half of impaired driving-related deaths occurring over between June and September.

That's why the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia and police are stepping up awareness activities and CounterAttack roadchecks across the province starting this long weekend.

With increased traffic and vacation plans that could involve alcohol, ICBC is urging everyone to plan ahead to travel safely. Police will be looking for impaired drivers at CounterAttack roadchecks throughout B.C.

"Driving while impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is never worth the risk," said Chief Constable Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police traffic safety committee. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or arrest are significant and can last a lifetime."

Last year, 5 people were injured in 56 crashes in the North Central region on Canada Day.

With so many options to get home safely, there's no excuse to drive impaired - arrange a designated driver, call a taxi or take transit.

ICBC supports CounterAttack with funding for enhanced police enforcement and two education campaigns each year.