Photo: Contributed

The Penticton and South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP are urging the public to remember during the holiday season that driving while impaired is never a good call. 

Targeted CounterAttack enforcement, meaning officers looking for drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, will be ramping up in the South Okanagan. Increased policing has already begun and will continue through the holiday season. 

Specially trained drug recognition experts will be on the streets ready to assess drivers who may be under the influence of drugs, including marijuana. 

“There are so many easy alternatives to getting around safely this season, there’s no reason to risk driving while impaired. Before going out this holiday season, plan for a safe ride home," said Cst. James Grandy.

On Dec. 1, a joint force operation between Penticton RCMP and South Okanagan Traffic Services took 12 impaired drivers off the road. 

An average of 68 people die each year in crashes involving impaired driving in B.C. Half of these incidents occur on weekends between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.