The summer CounterAttack campaign is in full swing, with several impaired drivers being taken off the road in just three hours at several roadblocks set up throughout Langley on Saturday, July 2.
Officers issued three 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRP), a three-day IRP, and one Criminal Code impaired driving charge to a driver who blew nearly three times the legal limit.
Additionally, one driver was charged for driving while prohibited, and two notices of driving prohibition and one indefinite licence prohibition were served.
All this happened in just three hours, said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy.
On average, 78 people are killed every year in crashes involving impaired driving in B.C. During the summer months alone (June to September) an average of 36 people are killed.
Numerous new drivers came through the roadblocks without displaying their ‘N’ and/or with too many passengers, said Largy.
“It is important to know that penalties are strict when you are in the graduated licensing program. If you violate the zero blood alcohol content restriction, operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or incur violations, you may be subject to fines and other penalties,” she said.
A lost ‘N’ sign, can be replaced for free at any driver licensing office.
Making your own temporary sign is not sufficient, police said. Anyone who is unable to get a new ‘N’ right away, can download and print a temporary sign from the ICBC website.
Also, many drivers who approached the roadblock didn’t have their driver’s licence in the vehicle, Largy said.
"Perhaps they were making a quick trip to the store, or picking the kids up from a friend’s house — some were wearing their pyjamas for the excursion," said Largy. "Often these drivers forgot to bring their wallet/purse as they ran out the door. It’s really not optional. It’s the law!"
Police also remind drivers to slow down and follow officers’ instructions when approaching a roadblock.