Drinking and Driving Counter Attack Campaign

Please read the VPD Media Relase ( found in www.vpd.ca )
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COUNTER ATTACK UPDATE
- VPD Media Release (December 11, 2009)

Vancouver Police are keeping up the fight against drinking and driving, as evidenced by the numbers released in their annual Christmas Counterattack campaign, which began October 30th and is well underway.

"All too often our officers attend crashes involving alcohol and all too often we stand on a doorstep in the middle of the night telling a family the tragic news that their loved one has been killed," says Superintendent Andy Hobbs. "None of us can become complacent when it comes to drinking and driving."

"It's that time of year again when people are celebrating the holidays with their drink of choice," says Paul Goodman, ICBC's Road Safety Coordinator. "While that's okay, we want to remind everyone that it's not okay to drink and drive."

More than a quarter of all motor vehicle fatalities in B.C. are still causing by drinking and driving. On average, 3000 people are injured and 116 people die in 5100 alcohol-related crashes each year.

"Drinking and driving starts with your first drink," says Goodman. "Make smart driving decisions the next time you're out drinking over the holidays. Choose a designated driver, set aside money for a bus or cab, call a sober friend or stay overnight."

"Think before you drink," says Superintendent Hobbs. "Plan ahead to enjoy your Christmas season."

Visit icbc.com for more information and tips. (click the image)

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Counterattack Statistics
October 30th to December 5th

Violation tickets 829
24-hour suspensions (alcohol) 519
24-hour suspensions (drugs) 11
12-hour suspensions 9
Administrative driving prohibitions 178
Criminal code impaired charges 102
Roadside breathalyzer tests 1275
Vehicle impounds 16
Arrests 16

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