The CounterAttack campaign is a joint effort between ICBC and the RCMP, with increased roadblocks to help remove impaired drivers. (file photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

road safety

Expect increased RCMP check stops over Canada Day long weekend

Jun 30, 2023 | 12:43 PM

NANAIMO — If you plan on hitting the road this Canada Day long weekend, ICBC and the RCMP want to make sure you’re doing it in a safe and sober way.

The two organizations are teaming up for their CounterAttack campaign, a police-run roadblock tactic to help get drug and alcohol-impaired drivers off the road.

ICBC’s Caroline Robinson said on average, 11 people are killed and over 300 are injured in impaired-related crashes on Vancouver Island.

“Those numbers are far too high. We really encourage everyone who is out in the summertime enjoying our great Vancouver Island, and the weather and festivities, to please do your part to make sure that you or anyone you know isn’t driving impaired and get to where you need to go safely.”

CounterAttack campaigns have been running in the province for over 35 years, and normally take place in July and December.

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On Canada Day alone, an average of 23 people are injured in at least 89 crashes which occur on the Island.

Robinson said if you’re planning on going out and drinking or using cannabis, make a plan to get somewhere safe at the end of the night.

“Have a designated driver, have a plan to stay overnight, call a taxi or take transit if that’s an option, call a sober friend, lots of things you can do, so you don’t have to worry if there’s a road check you come across cause you’ll be able to say you haven’t been consuming any alcohol.”

The Ministry of Transportation is also warning drivers to expect traffic congestion on some of the major routes across Vancouver Island.

Significant traffic congestion is expected along the Malahat corridor (Hwy. 1), as well as along Hwy. 4 (at Cameron Lake) this weekend.

They’re suggesting leaving earlier in the morning or later in the evening when traffic is anticipated to be lighter.

Hwy. 4 is currently operating with single-lane-alternating traffic for two kilometres at the Cameron Bluffs section.

For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit DriveBC.ca.

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