RCMP take impaired driving campaign out on the water

You know it’s not ok to operate a motor vehicle when you’ve been drinking but what about a motorboat?

“There’s no difference from operating a motor vehicle,” says Corporal Madonna Saunderson with North District RCMP Traffic Services. “There’s fines, loss of license. There’s no difference if you’re picked up impaired driving a motor vehicle or a motorboat. The fines and penalties are the same.”

The North District RCMP are conducting sobriety checks on and around local lakes and rivers to make sure boaters aren’t boozing out on the water.

“We want to ensure that people, when they are enjoying the waterways in and around the city of Prince George or anywhere for that matter, are doing it safely. People need to realize that if you operate a motorboat under the influence of alcohol, it carries the same penalties as operating a motor vehicle.”

Saunderson says people heading out on the water should make sure they have a designated driver.

And if you’re planning a river float with some boozy beverages, plan ahead to make sure you get home safe.

“If you’re going to have a few beverages out on the water, floating or boating, get a safe ride home. At the end of the day, we want everyone to get home safe and sound because that’s what it’s all about.”

You can be charged with impaired driving – of a boat or a vehicle – even if your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit of .08%.

And it’s not just alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs, whether illegal or prescription, can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk. You can be charged with impaired driving even if you haven’t had a drink.