RCMP report the province-wide 2010 Winter CounterAttack Campaign was a success. Police officers throughout the province worked hard to reduce the carnage on BC’s roadways caused by impaired drivers, and they did make a difference.
Reports show that alcohol-related fatalities are on a declining trend:
• 2010; Lower Mainland 1, North 1, SE District 1, Island 2. A total of 5 fatalities.
• 2009; Lower Mainland 0, North 0, SE District 3, Island 0. A total of 3 fatalities.
• 2008 - Lower Mainland 1, North 1, SE District 1, Island 5. A total of 8 fatalities.
• 2007 - Lower Mainland 3, North 0, SE District 5, Island 4. A total of 12 fatalities.
“Police believe the road checks our officers conducted during the campaign were effective in reducing the number of people killed at the hands of impaired drivers. Our goal has always been to improve public safety on our roadways. We will continue to use all applicable enforcement tools, including the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), to achieve our goal throughout the year,” says Corporal Jamie Chung of “E” Division Traffic Services.
During the second half of the Winter CounterAttack Campaign, both the RCMP and city police in B.C. have dealt with:
• Approximately 200 impaired drivers criminally,
• 382 drivers who received a three-day IRP (of which 223 drivers had their vehicles impounded for three days),
• Five drivers who received a seven-day IRP (of which four drivers had their vehicles impounded for seven days),
• 670 drivers who received a 90-day IRP (all 670 drivers faced a mandatory 30-day vehicle impoundment), and
• 159 drivers who were charged with excessive speed (of which all had their vehicles impounded for at least seven days)
Altogether in this Winter CounterAttack Campaign: 687 drivers were given a three, or seven day IRP; 1,212 drivers were given a 90-day IRP; and 280 drivers were charged with excessive speed.
“Again, if you don’t wear your seatbelts, drive dangerously, or drive impaired; you will have to face the consequences,” adds Chung.