BCHP Winter Impaired Driving Campaign takes 36 drivers off the road
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Mandatory Alcohol Screening, tactical check stops, targeted patrols; BC Highway Patrol used all of their tools to take 36 impaired drivers off the road in the December 2024 Winter Impaired Driving Campaign in the East Kootenays.
We screened almost 1,000 drivers in the East Kootenays over the month of December,
says 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.
On Dec. 21, 2024, BC Highway Patrol led a series of strategic, roving check stops specifically aimed to snare drivers trying to avoid police. Four impaired drivers were removed from the road. One member of the public was so appreciative that he circled back with holiday treats.
On Dec. 30, 2024, a checkstop at Invermere near the Panorama Ski Resort found that skiers and snowboarders were driving safe and sober. None of the 120 drivers stopped were impaired.
To close out the year, BC Highway Patrol converged on Cranbrook on Dec. 31, 2024, and issued two 90-day suspensions, stopped one prohibited driver, one unlicenced driver, and one vehicle with no insurance.
Totals for the month included:
- 1 x Impaired Driving (Criminal Code)
- 12 x 90 day IRP alcohol
- 16 x 3 day IRP 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,
says Corporal McLaughlin. Our officers feel optimistic about how Body Worn Cameras will provide evidence for impaired driving investigations.
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