Powell River RCMP has increased its presence on the streets of Powell River for November and December and is targeting impaired driving and other driving offences.
The local RCMP is working with RCMP Traffic Services during this time to cut down on drinking and driving, cellphone use when driving, lack of seat belt use and other driving-related infractions. Extra officers will be on the road taking shifts devoted purely to enforcement and there will be increased numbers of roadblocks at high-risk locations.
The initiative is part of an ongoing provincial police force mandate “to keep the roads safe,” said RCMP in a press release. According to the RCMP, 36 per cent of fatalities on the road are caused by drinking and driving, while a further 25 per cent are caused by “distracted driving.” These incidents amount to 3,000 injuries and 116 deaths per year on average.
“All of these injuries and deaths are preventable,” said Constable Chris Bakker. “This initiative is designed to remind people that traffic enforcement is important to save lives and reduce injuries on the road.”
This initiative is tied into the RCMP’s CounterAttack program heading into the Christmas holidays.
