Mandatory Alcohol Screening, tactical check stops, targeted patrols; BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) used all of their tools to take 36 impaired drivers off the road in the December 2024 Winter Impaired Driving Campaign in the East Kootenay.

“We screened almost 1,000 drivers in the East Kootenay over the month of December,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “We worked with RCMP officers from Columbia Valley, Elk Valley and Creston and the public were really supportive. They even brought us snacks.”

On December 21, 2024, BC Highway Patrol led a series of strategic, roving check stops specifically aimed to snare drivers trying to avoid police. Four impaired drivers were removed from the road. One member of the public was so appreciative that he circled back with holiday treats.

On December 30, a checkstop at Invermere, near Panorama Mountain Resort, found that skiers and snowboarders were driving safe and sober. None of the 120 drivers stopped were impaired.

To close out the year, BC Highway Patrol converged on Cranbrook on December 31, and issued two 90-day suspensions, stopped one prohibited driver, one unlicenced driver, and one vehicle with no insurance.

Totals for the month included:

• 1 x Impaired Driving (Criminal Code);
• 12 x 90 day IRP alcohol;
• 16 x 3 day IRP alcohol;
• 6 x 24 hour prohibition alcohol;
• 1 x 12 hour prohibition alcohol.

“This was also the first Winter Impaired Driving Campaign where BC Highway Patrol officers used Body Worn Cameras (image right),” noted Cpl. McLaughlin.

“Our officers feel optimistic about how Body Worn Cameras will provide evidence for impaired driving investigations.”

BCHP photos

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