The Prince Rupert RCMP have stepped up enforcement on impaired drivers in the city and surrounding area lately.
In October alone, the police conducted 28 impaired driving investigations, all but one which were alcohol related. The other resulted in a 24-hour suspension for impairment due to drugs.
Of the 27 alcohol-related charges, 20 of them had their license suspended for 90 days, four resulted in a three-day suspension and three in 24-hour license suspension.
"The RCMP encourages everyone to make smart choices when alcohol and vehicles are involved. If you do drink, look for an alternative way to get home such as a taxi, designated drivers or public transit," said Sgt. Jagdev Uppal in a press release.
He went on to give an example of how making the wrong choice could be costly, such as on Nov. 6. Between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., police initiated five impaired driving investigations — that's almost one every hour.
The result was the people involved had their license suspensed for between 24 hours up to 90 days. But that's getting off easy.
"The costs of making the wrong choice could lead to death or serious injury to yourself or others," Sgt. Uppal warned.
The RCMP plans to keep citizens of Prince Rupert safe by continuing to target impaired drivers through road blocks and regular traffic stops.
The public is encouraged to do their part in keeping the community safe. To report impaired drivers, call 250-627-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).