Motorists can expect to encounter Counter Attack checkstops all over Langley this summer, including this Friday night, warn Langley RCMP traffic services.
“If you’re going to drink and drive in Langley, expect to get caught and dealt with according to the law,” said Langley RCMP Sgt. Gerard Sokolowski, officer in charge of traffic services.
A CounterAttack checkstop was held on the 204 Street overpass and on 88 Avenue at 201 Street for seven hours on Friday, July 11 with several drivers caught drunk behind the wheel.
One driver was given a 90-day driving suspension for drunk driving, one three-day driving suspension, one 12-hour suspension and one notice of a prohibited driver.
In total, nine seatbelt tickets were handed out, two for cellphone use, two for speeding, three for intersection infractions, and 11 for disobeying their N restrictions.
Impaired driving continues to be one of the RCMP’s national priorities. For the month of July, a particular emphasis will be placed on locating Langley’s impaired drivers, said Sokolowski.
To that end, on Friday night the Langley RCMP will be out and visible, actively looking for people driving under the influence.
Enforcement efforts will focus on several key areas. Also present at one of the check spots will be members of Families for Justice, many of whom are people who have lost a loved one to a drunk driver.
“If your summer activities involve alcohol, plan ahead for a safe ride home,” said Hilary Matheson, local ICBC road safety co-ordinator. “Arrange a designated driver, call a taxi or take transit. Share the responsibility of being the designated driver this summer to help your friends and family get home safely.”
On average, 96 people die every year in crashes involving impaired driving. Shockingly, impairment remains a leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C. despite new, stricter laws and consequences.
However, the new legislation that sees drivers lose their license and have their vehicle impounded, has lowered the number of impaired drivers significantly.