West Shore RCMP and police from throughout Greater Victoria are reminding drivers that CounterAttack roadblocks will be out in full force during the holiday season.
At one roadblock alone, near Goldstream Park earlier in the month, West Shore RCMP handed out six suspensions for driving while intoxicated, along with tickets for driving without insurance and driving while prohibited.
“We take the Christmas season as a very important time of year because we know there’s a lot of social activities going on and people out and about enjoying the season,” said West Shore RCMP spokesperson Acting Sgt. Kathy Rochlitz. “It’s something that we take as a very important piece of our job all year, but even more so at this time of year because we don’t want to respond to those accidents involving impaired drivers and bring tragic news to families at this time of year.”
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the CounterAttack program. Since the program started the average number of car crash deaths related to impaired driving has dropped from about 300 per year to 113 per year.
ICBC reports that on average 21 people are killed each year on Vancouver Island in impaired driving related crashes.
Roadblocks will be held throughout the season in random locations and times throughout Greater Victoria.
“At this time of year we want to see people enjoy the season but be mindful about planning ahead and finding safe ways home,” Rochlitz said.