A celebration of Quesnel graduates almost ended in tragedy, say Quesnel RCMP.
Five grads were travelling home in early hours Thursday when their Jeep crossed into the oncoming lane near Ten Mile Lake. Continuing to go off the road to the left the vehicle went over an embankment and travelled 100 meters into the bush before it stopped.
"It was miraculous that the Jeep did not overturn or serious injuries would have resulted," said Cpl. Patrick Jenkins.
The driver of the Jeep showed a blood alcohol reading exceeding the legal limit and charges are being contemplated.
The story doesn't end there. Once police knew of the Correlieu high school grad party in the Dunkley area, they set up a check-stop in the area and seven more drivers were apprehended, - most returning to Quesnel from the same party.
"All were under the influence of alcohol and several indicated that they were the designated driver.
"One driver was charged with impaired driving, one 24-hour driving prohibition was issued and five 12-hour licence suspensions, which are issued to novice drivers with any measurable alcohol in their blood, were handed out," said Jenkins.
Grads choosing to celebrate by consuming alcohol should avoid driving, by all costs," said Jenkins.
