Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that part of the province's drinking and driving law is unconstitutional, local police are remaining vigilant to prevent impaired driving.
The Prince George RCMP traffic enforcement officers began their Counter Attack campaign Nov. 25 and will continue the road safety checks through the new year to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers and potential fatalities on B.C. roadways.
As a part of this year's campaign, the police have partnered with ICBC to decorate a police van to resemble a jail cell to convey the impaired driving message.
In addition to the visual presence, the police are also reminding drivers that alcohol affects people in different ways, due to diet, fatigue or drinking habits and that one shoudn't drive if they've been consuming alcohol. Drivers are encourage to find an alternative way home such as transit, a designated driver or a ride service such as Operation Red Nose.
Though most people are aware that drinking and driving is dangerous, the police are also warning drivers that impairment from drugs is equally as dangerous and carries the same penalties. Drugs - illegal or prescription - can affect reaction time and decision-making abilities. When road conditions are poor, extra attention is needed to compensate in the form of increased braking time on snow- or ice-covered roads.
Last week, the court ruled in regard to the Immediate Roadside Prohibition legislation, which allowed police to impose criminal consequences on drivers who failed a breathalyzer test with no opportunities for them to challenge the decision.
However, should a motorist blow in the warn range (a blood-alcohol level of between .05 and .08) they still face a driving prohibition of three, seven or 30 days and their car may be impounded. Those who fail or refuse to be tested with a roadside screening device face a 24-hour vehicle impoundment and potential criminal charges.
Anyone with information about impaired drivers or any other criminal offence is asked to contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES using keyword "pgtips".
