VPD pulls almost 100 impaired drivers off the roads
Posted July 14, 2011 6:25 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Police say they have taken a “completely unacceptable” number of impaired drivers off the roads since launching their summer CounterAttack campaign on June 30th.
“In… six nights we’ve caught 98 people for impaired driving offences and seven people for driving while prohibited for a total of 105 impounded cars,” says Const. Lindsey Houghton.
He adds police did 524 roadside tests over six days since the beginning of the campaign.
“Almost one out of every five drivers who got a test was impaired,” says Houghton. “That is completely unacceptable and I think anyone would realize that people who are going to drive drunk need to give their head a shake.”
We spoke with one man who works in a downtown bar. These stats are tough for him to explain. “I think the bars downtown… have suffered terribly… People are reluctant to go down and have two or three drinks after work.”
These figures are surprising to another man, who believes the system is working. “There’s a fair amount of drinkers that [break the laws]. It’s certainly done the job. It’s brought it down, and it’s a long time coming.”
People can expect to see more roadblocks for the rest of the summer and through September.
“People will be stopped at random locations around the city by Vancouver Police officers,” says Houghton. “You will have the flashlight shined in your face and you will be asked if you’ve been drinking.”
Houghton adds if you fail a roadside test your car will be impounded and you could be criminally charged.
Meanwhile, RCMP say impaired driving deaths in the Lower Mainland are down by half this year.
Tips from ICBC for staying safe this summer:
If you’re going to drink, make the smart choice: plan your way home before you go out.
• Choose a designated driver.
• Refuse to ride with drivers who may be impaired—ask to be let out of the car if necessary.
• Set an example—your smart driving decisions can have a significant influence on others.
• Take a stand and don’t let people drive if they have been drinking alcohol.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911 and report it to your local police.
• Talk about the issue with your family and friends.
