B.C. police warn against impaired driving on New Year’s Eve

Police in B.C. say they will be out in full force Wednesday night and Thursday morning as residents ring in the new year.

BC Highway Patrol’s (BCHP) Cpl. Michael McLaughlin says impaired driving is a concern throughout the year, but highway patrol units will work extended and adjusted hours for the night of New Year’s Eve.

“Each unit in each community is going to be doing impaired driving enforcement that makes sense for their community,” McLaughlin explained. “So you might see roadblocks, you might see roving patrols. The point is: plan ahead, so you are not ensnared in an impaired driving investigation.”

He’s reminding British Columbians that there are always other options besides driving impaired.

“Between taxis, and transit, and Ubers, and getting your sober, competent friend to drive, there’s no excuse — and there are severe penalties. You’re going to lose your vehicle and lose your licence if you get snared while driving impaired.”

ICBC says 65 people die every year in crashes involving impaired driving on B.C. roads. The insurance corporation also says that 53 per cent of impairment-related crashes occur on weekends, while 36 per cent take place between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

The BCHP says officers stopped at least 267 impaired drivers on highways last December, or approximately one driver every three hours through the entire month.

For those who do plan to drive Wednesday night, McLaughlin has some additional tips.

“Make sure you use your full headlights. Look outside. It is dark a lot. We’re dealing with a lot of inclement weather and fog. Don’t assume all your lights are working. Check your car before you leave. Make sure everything is on. And, of course, drive stone cold sober. You do not want to be caught in that extra enforcement.”

—With files from Dean Recksiedler