On the road this summer? Don’t even think about driving if you're impaired, the B.C. Highway Patrol warns.
Police are increasing their presence on B.C. roads over the next several weeks, with a focus on special events.
People travelling from Prince George to other communities can expect to see roadblocks and spot checks along the highways, with officers committed to a zero-tolerance approach to impaired driving, the highway patrol states.
Some of these will be near large events and music festivals, including:
- The Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo this weekend;
- Anahim Lake and Quesnel in late July;
- Vanderhoof on the B.C. Day long weekend;
- Dawson Creek, Smithers, and Redstone events in August;
- Lake Cowichan on long weekends.
“If you are planning to attend an event and consume liquor or drugs, please arrange for a safe ride,” states a highway patrol announcement. “There are many safe ride options available to attendees including festival shuttles, taxis, rideshares, transit, and rides with designated drivers.”
Police also ask motorists to report high-risk drivers to local police. This may include impaired drivers, fatigued drivers, vehicles passing on a double solid line and/or around curves, vehicles failing to maintain their lane, excessive speeders and drivers who nearly cause a collision.
