For the month of December RCMP will be manning CounterAttack road checks across B.C. to help reduce impaired driving charges.
"On average each year 133 lives are lost and 3,400 people are injured in about 5,600 impaired-related crashes," said Rich Coleman, B.C. Solicitor General.
He said it's important to be responsible and plan ahead during the holiday season.
"No one should ever have to deal with losing a loved one to an impaired driver. By making the right choices we can all prevent lives from being lost on our roads."
RCMP Supt. Mike Diack advises motorists can expect to see more police presence on the roads.
"We'll be out there setting up roadblocks in communities across the province because we know all too well the tragic impact of impaired driving."
ICBC, a supporting partner in the CounterAttack campaign, provides awareness through electronic advertising as well as materials for business, sports and community groups.
The insurance corporation also supports Operation Red Nose (ORN), a volunteer service in 17 B.C. communities that provides safe rides home to drivers who have been drinking or feel unfit to drive during the holiday season.
In Prince George, ORN operates each weekend through New Years. Holiday season party participants can call 250-962-RIDE Fridays and Saturdays between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. to get themselves and their vehicles home safely.
During the first weekend of operation, Nov. 27 and 28, ORN teams provided a record 81 rides for residents and expect to increase volunteer teams as the season unfolds. For holiday driving tips visit the website at icbc.com.
