RCMP kicked off their summer CounterAttack campaign across B.C. this weekend.
In the Prince George area, North District RCMP traffic services were out in full force to be a visible deterrent to impaired and aggressive drivers.
North District RCMP traffic services commander Sgt. Pat McTiernan urged drivers to use
"While we still wait for the arrival of summer, it is anticipated that motorists will take to the highways for some kind of a summer break with kids out of school," McTiernan said in a press release. "It's also the time when drivers become impatient with traffic and rush to destinations for planned outdoor festivities."
The summer CounterAttack campaign will focus on impaired driving, seat belt use, aggressive driving, speeding, unsafe passing and following too closely, McTiernan said.
Police are urging drivers to plan their trips in advance. If you are planning to drink, be sure to arrange transportation home before you start drinking, he said.
"The key for us is to ensure the highways are safe," McTiernan said. "Impatience along with poor planning and risk-taking become cocktails for tragedy. Police will be looking for those aggressive drivers, who tend to make the roads unsafe."
When planning a road trip, allow extra time for traffic, constuction, poor weather and other unexpected delays, he said.
Bring snacks and drinks, but avoid eating large or heavy meals which can make you drowsy, McTiernan added.
"Don't let someone else dictate your future for you. If you are in a vehicle, being driven in a dangerous manner, speak up," he said. "Don't get in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs."
If you witness someone driving in an erratic or aggressive manner, call 911 and report it to police.
