45 impaired drivers caught during holiday driving enforcement

Prince George RCMP was busy over the holiday season with the winter impaired driving enforcement campaign showing big numbers. More than 2,000 drivers were checked for their sobriety level during the 24/7 efforts from November 30th to January 1st.

Results show 45 drivers were caught impaired, four for alcohol and one for drugs. There were eleven suspensions involving alcohol or drugs and 219 violations for things like speeding and driving without a valid license.

“The vast majority of people we pulled over or dealt with were not impaired and had all their valid [documents]. They were abiding by the rules of the road,” said Sergeant Matt LaBelle, who is in charge of the Prince George RCMP’s Municipal Traffic Enforcement Section.

“Those people would be victims if an impaired driver lost control and crashed into those people, or worse.”

The full results are:

• 45 – Impaired Drivers
  • 4 Criminal Code Impaired Driving (alcohol)
  • 1 Criminal Code Impaired Driving (drugs)
  • 28 – 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) with vehicle impoundment (over 100 mg%)
  • 12 – 3 day IRP with 7 day vehicle impoundment (between 60 – 99 mg%)
• 11 – Other Suspensions
  • 9 – 24 hour Suspensions for alcohol (between 50 – 59 mg%)
  • 1 – 24 hour Suspension for drugs
  • 1 – 12 hour Suspension for a Learner or New Driver with alcohol in the body
• 18 – Prohibited / Suspended Drivers Apprehended
• 19 – Drivers served Prohibition Orders on behalf of the Motor Vehicle Branch
• 219 – Motor Vehicle Act or Motor Vehicle Act Regulation violations
  • 20 – Drivers operating a vehicle without a valid licence
  • 29 – Uninsured Vehicles
  • 33 – Drivers operating a vehicle contrary to their driving restrictions
  • 9 – Drive without Due Care & Attention charges
  • 69 – Speeding violations
  • 43 – Intersection related violations
  • 8 – Distracted Driving violations
  • 8 – Vehicles sent for inspection due to improper/inadequate equipment
• 3 – Liquor Control and Licensing Act violations
• 4 – Cannabis Act violations
• 1 – Firearms Act charge for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle
• 3 – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges (possession of controlled substances)
• 5 – Other Criminal Code Charges

“Although the holidays are over, our attention will remain on those drivers that do the most harm in our community,” said Sgt. Labelle in a statement.

“Please make good decisions about your driving habits and help us make our roads safer.”

PG RCMP Traffic Services Section will continue enforcement at high collision intersections through January and February targeting prohibited and suspended drivers, as well as addressing impaired driving.