West Kootenay Traffic Services release figures for 2012, fatalities down but six still too many
By Nelson Daily Staff
Fatalities in the region were down significantly in 2012 West Kootenay Traffic Services Sargent Derrick Donovan said in a press release Monday.
“The West Kootenay Traffic Services and Nelson IRSU (Integrated Road Safety Unit) worked hard through enforcement and education to make 2012 a safe year for the motoring public,” Donovan said.
“Unfortunately we had six tragic deaths occur on our highways in the West Kootenays this year, which is six too many.”
There were 12 fatalities on West Kootenay roads in 2011.
Figures released by Donovan show traffic services made 260 drug seizures while handing out 97, 24-hour or three-day immediate roadside prohibitions due to alcohol.
There were 60 drivers taken off the road due to being impaired or issued 90-day immediate roadside prohibition.
“One trend we are seeing is more drug impaired drivers, either through illegal or over prescribed prescriptions,” Donovan explained.
“The units issued 25, 24-hour suspensions for drugs and 11 impaired drivers have been charged for being under the influence of drugs.”
Seatbelts and distracted driving still seem to be a problem for police. There were more than 1,000 seatbelt tickets have been issued and 250 distracted driving charges.
The new law of excessive speed has netted 37 people having their cars seized for seven days.
‘We are hoping with the motoring public’s help we can have a very safe 2013,” Donovan said.
“We are hoping the message is getting through. Slow down, do not drink alcohol and drive and fasten your seatbelt.”
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