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Canwest News Service
VANCOUVER – Vancouver police officers handed out over 1000 tickets, suspended more than 682 licenses and recommended over 150 charges related to impaired driving during the Christmas CounterAttack campaign.
The campaign, launched on Oct. 30, is meant to crack down on people who drive and drive.
So far police officers issued 1010 tickets, temporarily suspended 682 licenses, handed out 240 driving prohibitions, impounded 16 vehicles and recommended 159 criminal charges.
Police will continue to be out in full force at roadchecks throughout the holiday season.
"All too often our officers attend crashes involving alcohol and all too often we stand on a doorstep in the middle of the night telling a family the tragic news that their loved one has been killed," said Superintendent Andy Hobbs in a news release. "None of us can become complacent when it comes to drinking and driving."
According to police statistics more than a quarter of all motor vehicle fatalities in B.C. are still caused by drinking and driving. On average, 3000 people are injured and 116 people die in 5100 alcohol-related crashes each year.
Impaired drivers can face a range of penalties, including immediate 24-hour roadside suspensions and vehicle impoundment, 90-day driving prohibitions, fines, mandatory rehabilitation, ignition interlock, and criminal charges.
rtebrake@vancouversun.com
