On June 29, the provincial government, police and ICBC launched this summer’s impaired driving CounterAttack campaign.
Every year, on average, 38 people are killed in the Southern Interior in impaired-related crashes.
Between 2006 - 2010; 16 people were killed in impaired-related crashes in Kamloops, six people were killed in impaired-related crashes in Salmon Arm, four people were killed in impaired-related crashes in Golden, and one person was killed an impaired-related crash in Revelstoke.
Throughout the summer, police across the province will be checking for impaired drivers at CounterAttack roadchecks. Police say they want everyone to enjoy their summer, have a great time and make sure they plan ahead for a safe ride home by having a designated driver or another safe alternative. Call a taxi, take transit, use a shuttle service or call a sober friend.
As summer CounterAttack road checks ramp up in July, about $1 million will be added to enhance traffic enforcement budgets. This will increase the number of police roadblocks and the likelihood of catching those who ignore warnings about drinking and driving, as well as those who drive while impaired by drugs.
Those warnings will continue in related awareness advertising. A TV ad airing throughout June has reminded drivers to take their turn as a designated driver, and a CounterAttack TV ad begins airing provincewide July 2. Designated driver messaging – highlighted in bars, restaurants, wineries, golf courses and sports venues throughout the year – will also be prominent at special events this summer.
Police will use the additional enforcement funding to set up multiple roadblocks at specific times and in new locations, as well as using other enforcement tactics to help make B.C. roads safer throughout the summer vacation season.