As the weather improves, Prince Rupert RCMP are ramping up impaired driving enforcement.
“With the summer kicked-off, we expect that all licensed establishments will get busier than before,” stated a press release dated this morning (June 23). “The recent opening of the local brewery’s new location is also likely to attract people in the area, which is a positive thing as long as people drink responsibly and plan their rides accordingly.”
At least three people did not do so Thursday evening (June 22). At a checkstop June 22 at the corner of 1st Ave. W and Bill Murray Dr. police nabbed three drivers who failed a roadside test within 20 minutes of setting up.
“Checkstops allow us to set up in a location and stop drivers in order to make sure they are licenced, insured and sober,” said Cst. Gabriel Gravel, Media Relations Officer with the Prince Rupert RCMP. “The mandatory alcohol screening allows us to demand a breath sample from every person operating a motor vehicle, into an approved screening device, without needing suspicion of impairment.” said Cst. Gabriel Gravel, Media Relations Officer with the Prince Rupert RCMP.
It is a criminal offence in Canada for a fully licenced person to drive with more than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. However, Prince Rupert RCMP took the opportunity of Thursday night’s arrests to remind the public that in B.C. even a reading of 51 mg per 100ml can result in a $500 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment and 90-day driving prohibition.
For Novice (N) and Learner (L) drivers the consequences can be even harsher as the province has zero-tolerance for any level of alcohol in the blood.
The same consequences apply to being impaired by cannabis and other drugs.
thom.barker@blackpress.ca
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