The Northeastern part of B.C. has the dubious distinction of being the worst offender in the province when it comes to drinking and driving.
Statistics revealed last summer through an access to information request by Global News showed that postal codes in the Northeast made up three of the top four jurisdictions with the most alcohol-related charges, from as little as 12-hour suspensions to impaired driving causing death.
At the top of the list was Chilcotin, followed by Northeastern B.C. (charges laid outside of municipal jurisdictions), Dawson Creek and Fort St, John.
The stats show alcohol-related suspensions were laid against 286 of the Fort St. John's 16,806 active drivers, meaning 17.02 drivers received prohibitions for every thousand motorists. That rate is slightly lower than Dawson Creek's, where 19.76 out of every 1,000 motorists received prohibitions.
These statistics were collected between April 25, 2010 and April 24 2011 - and we can guarantee there was a spike over the holiday season.
And with that season upon us, it's time to revisit these staggering statistics and what could be done to prevent them.
ICBC has also compiled the list of excuses people most often use to break the law in this particular manner.
Topping the list is "I can hold my booze." Sorry guys, but you're primarily holding the bag on this one. Too many guys think drinking a six-pack of beer and then driving is OK, which is why 81 per cent of all impaired drivers in alcohol-related crashes are male.
Two more popular excuses are "I don't want to pay for a taxi" and "Leaving my car overnight is a hassle." Isn't it wonderful, then, that we have a service called Operation Red Nose?
The mission of Operation Red Nose is "to encourage responsible behaviour (in a non-judgmental manner) with regard to impaired driving by enabling communities to provide a free and confidential chauffeur service to their members, the financial benefits of which are redistributed to local organizations dedicated to youth."
The service is by donation. You need only call 250 962-7433 and they'll take care of the rest.
And if you think even that is too expensive, consider what it'll cost you when you get caught drunk behind the wheel.
In a recent letter to the editor, a man wishing to remain anonymous described his experience after his first drinking and driving offence. Cut to the chase, it added up to $5,000.
The cost breakdown included towing and storage fees for 30 days at $626, a driving course
of $985, an ignition inhibitor installed in his vehicle for $700, monitoring for the machine for a year at more than $1,200, a $500
fine, a licence reapplication fee of $250, and an additional $31 licence fee.
Still think a cab's too expensive?
Another common excuse is "I won't get caught." Over the holiday season, police step up CounterAttack roadchecks significantly, keeping drivers on their toes no matter what time of day or night, so it's wisest to just not risk it.
And of course, the most pressing reason to drive only when sober is simple: you can kill someone.
-- Prince George Citizen
