Vernon RCMP keeping an eye out for impaired drivers as CounterAttack season returns

Photo: CounterAttack

Eat, drink and be merry – just don't get behind the wheel afterwards.

Saturday is National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, which marks the beginning of seasonal RCMP CounterAttack operations – a month-long campaign focused on impaired driving enforcement and prevention.

“It’s the time of year where people are getting together at parties and social gatherings to celebrate the holiday season,” says Const. Chris Terleski with the North Okanagan RCMP.

“Enjoy yourself and celebrate, but please, do it safely. If you are going to consume anything: alcohol, cannabis, or otherwise, that may impair your ability to drive, stay home or plan in advance for a safe ride.”

RCMP and BC Highway Patrol officers will be ramping up enforcement activities in the North Okanagan, specifically targeting impaired drivers.

“Whether it’s through check-stops, mandatory alcohol screening, standardized field sobriety tests, or using drug-recognition experts, we’re going to use all the tools available to remove impaired drivers from our roadways,” says Terleski.

“Alcohol and drug-related collisions are entirely preventable and there is zero tolerance for those who choose to take the risk and drive under the influence.”

For a comprehensive list of the penalties associated with impaired driving, click here.

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911.