Powell River RCMP are stepping up their efforts this month to take impaired drivers off the road.
“With the warmer weather and events such as graduation, police tend to see an increase in the number of impaired drivers on the road,” said Constable Chris Bakker of the Powell River detachment. “The best way to keep the roads safe is to take impaired drivers off them.”
Police will be setting up road checks throughout the month at various locations around town.
Last June the province’s impaired driving legislation was amended to better protect drivers’ rights after parts of the law were ruled unconstitutional. Changes were made to how police conduct breathalyzer tests and handle paperwork, but the penalties for impaired driving did not change, said Bakker.
Police are able to issue three, seven and 30-day driving prohibitions for those who provide a breath sample with between 0.05 and 0.08 per cent blood alcohol content. Drivers who blow over 0.08 per cent will receive a 90-day driving prohibition.
The Insurance Corporation of BC reports that on average 133 lives are lost and 3,400 people are injured in approximately 5,600 impaired-related crashes across the province each year.
“If you are drinking, please don’t drive,” said Bakker. “Call a cab, have a designated driver or walk home if you have to. The consequences of poor choices made by a few people can affect the entire community. It just isn’t worth it.”
