Nanaimo RCMP officers had cars lined up on Bowen Rd. late Friday night for roadside checks for impaired drivers. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

don't drink and drive

Nanaimo RCMP conduct road check blitz for July CounterAttack campaign

Jul 8, 2023 | 6:00 AM

NANAIMO — The message is a simple one: don’t drink and drive.

Local Mounties were out in force on Friday, July 7 with many conducting a series of road blocks through the city checking for impaired drivers as part of the annual CounterAttack campaign.

Officers were on scene with ICBC road safety coordinators, who handed out Tim Horton’s gift cards to those doing the right thing.

“It’s almost positive ticketing, just encouraging that piece of planning ahead and thinking ahead as far as having a sober driver so that everyone can get home safely,” ICBC’s Rowena Narayan told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Officers had a busy night.

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In one traffic stop on Bowen Rd. by Beban Park, several drivers were stopped for additional testing while one was chased after by RCMP members after attempting to skirt around the stop.

Members on scene said they’re not only checking for impaired driving via alcohol, but also drug use.

License checks were also conducted on vehicle passing by.

Staff from ICBC watch on as RCMP spoke with a number of drivers about road safety and impaired driving. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Narayan said the entire night is not only for safety and ensuring people are getting home safely, but part of a huge public education push which is sorely needed.

On average on Vancouver Island every year, 11 people died and 300 people are injured in crashes related to impaired driving.

“Impaired driving is completely preventable. Plan ahead, use a taxi service if it’s available to you, if you’re at a party ask your host if you can stay the night, maybe there’s a hotel close by. If you have transit in your area, talk to your family friends and think ahead.”

Those found to be driving impaired can face driving prohibitions from 24 hours to 90 days, as well as vehicle impoundment, jail time and fines started at $600.

More information is available here.

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