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BC Highway Patrol removes 36 impaired drivers in December campaign

BC Highway patrol removes 36 impaired drivers in East Kootenay during December enforcement campaign
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BC Highway patrol removes 36 impaired drivers in East Kootenay during December enforcement campaign. RCMP handout.

BC Highway Patrol members took 36 impaired drivers off the road as part of mandatory alcohol screening, tactical check stops and targeted patrols during December's Winter Impaired Driving Campaign in the East Kootenay.

"We screened almost 1,000 drivers in the East Kootenay over the month of December," said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. "We worked with RCMP officers from Columbia Valley, Elk Valley and Creston and the public were really supportive. They even brought us snacks."

In a press release, BC Highway Patrol outlined their tactics in various communities throughout the month.

On Dec. 21, police initiated a series of strategic, roving check stops specifically aimed to catch drivers who were trying to avoid police, which removed four impaired drivers from the road. 

On Dec. 30th, a checkstop at Invermere near the Panorama Ski Resort found that all 120 drivers stopped were driving safe and sober; none were impaired.

On Dec. 31, BC Highway Patrol converged on Cranbrook, issuing two 90-day suspensions, while stopping one prohibited driver, one unlicensed driver and one vehicle with no insurance.

Totals for the month-long campaign yielded:

• 1 x Impaired Driving (Criminal Code)
• 12 x 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition alcohol
• 16 x 3 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition alcohol
• 6 x 24 hour prohibition alcohol
• 1 x 12 hour prohibition alcohol

"This was also the first Winter Impaired Driving Campaign where BC Highway Patrol officers used Body Worn Cameras," said Corporal McLaughlin. "Our officers feel optimistic about how Body Worn Cameras will provide evidence for impaired driving investigations."



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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