Vancouver Island will see the usual increase in impaired-driving enforcement through the summer, especially near areas with public events on the July and August long weekends, the B.C. Highway Patrol says.
The Lake Cowichan area, where Youbou’s Laketown Ranch will play host to two big music festivals over the summer long weekends, will be a particular focal point.
ICBC said statistics show that impaired-driving crashes causing death or injury increase by 27 per cent in the province during the summer months, with a 21 per cent increase on Vancouver Island.
The largest increase is in north central B.C., with a 63 per cent jump in such crashes.
Each year on the Island, an average of 10 people are killed and 305 injured in impaired-driving related incidents, ICBC said.
The ongoing enforcement is part of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police impaired-driving campaign that began June 15.
Police were also out in force on the Island over the May long weekend and showed “zero tolerance” for impaired drivers, said B.C. Highway Patrol Cpl. Melissa Jongema.
“Similarly, B.C. Highway Patrol officers will be targeting impaired drivers from recreational areas, fairs, and music festivals to eliminate traffic fatalities on the Island this summer,” she said, noting there are many travel options available, including shuttles, taxis, rideshares, transit and rides with designated drivers.
“If you are planning to attend a large event and drink liquor or consume drugs, please arrange for a safe ride.”
Impaired-driving penalties can range from 24-hour driving prohibitions to three-day, 30-day, and 90-day prohibitions with vehicle impounds and possible criminal charges.
Island numbers from May long weekend enforcement included 33 impaired-driving charges — most of them under the Motor Vehicle Act rather than the Criminal Code — and 34 criminal files for such things as prohibited driving, drug seizures and warrants.
Another 770 violation tickets were given out for speeding, unsafe driving, using an electronic device while driving and other offences.
Local police departments are also making traffic safety a priority.
“Saanich police are committed to keeping roads safe in the community for everyone,” said Insp. Damian Kowalewich.
“Over the summer months, residents will see a variety of road checks and traffic-safety initiatives to help keep all our roads safe for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and all modes of transportation.”
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