On June 28, the provincial government, police and ICBC kicked off this summer’s CounterAttack campaign, and ask drivers to plan ahead throughout the summer if their activities involve alcohol.
“Our tough impaired driving law is having a positive impact on the safety of British Columbians,” says Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton.
“While we’ve seen tremendous improvements, we’re committing more than $1 million to enhanced enforcement this year, which includes the summer CounterAttack campaign, to ensure police across the province can dedicate officers to enforcement of the impaired driving laws and other road safety priorities. This is above and beyond the work that is done every day by police officers throughout the province to keep our roads safe.”
Since B.C.’s Immediate Roadside Prohibition program came into effect in September 2010, there has been an unprecedented 51 per cent reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, with an estimated 143 lives saved.
“We never want to see families suffer the tragic loss of a loved one in an impaired related crash,” says Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“That’s why the CounterAttack campaign ramps up its efforts in the summertime, when the camping and barbecue season begins, to help keep everyone safe on the roads. Please remember, if your summer festivities involve drinking, plan for a safe ride home ahead of time.”
If your summer activities involve alcohol, make a plan before you head out. Arrange for a designated driver or use other options to get home safely – call a taxi, take transit or call a sober friend.
Police across the province will be looking for drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol at CounterAttack road checks throughout the summer.
For more tips and information on the summer CounterAttack campaign, visit the campaign page on www.icbc.com.