This weekend, drivers across Vancouver Island likely noticed a sharp increase in police roadblocks as part of a seasonal crackdown on impaired driving.
Law enforcement agencies, including Saanich Police and BC Highway Patrol, have launched initiatives to ensure safer roads during the holiday season.
Late last week, Saanich Police revealed a record-breaking year for impaired driving enforcement, with 580 drivers removed from the roads as of November 30th.
This marks the highest number of Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs) issued since the program’s inception in 2010.
Notably, by the end of September, Saanich Police had already surpassed the total number of roadside driving bans issued in all of 2023, reaching 468 in just the first nine months of this year.
In 2024, the Saanich Police have taken 580 impaired drivers off Saanich Roads, setting a record for Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs) since the introduction of the program in 2010.
580 impaired drivers as of November 30th…and the year is not over.
Throughout December we… pic.twitter.com/UUIJKkU4VL
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) December 5, 2024
“With an entire month of 2024 left, we are stepping up counterattack roadblocks,” said Const. Martin Roznowski of the Saanich Police traffic safety unit.
“We’re encouraging drivers to think and drink responsibly. There is absolutely no excuse to be behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol.”
BC Highway Patrol has also joined forces with RCMP and local police departments for its “Light Up the Province” campaign. The initiative, which includes increased roadblocks and a social media component, aims to target impaired drivers and raise awareness about road safety.
“The statistics are clear: people who choose to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol are the leading cause of criminal death and injury in Canada,” said Supt. Mike Coyle of the BC Highway Patrol.
“We’ll work to get those individuals off the road and ensure safety for everyone.”
The campaign’s #LightUpTheNight push will run until December 10th. Police are urging residents to make responsible transportation choices by taking taxis, using ride-share services, public transit, or arranging for a designated driver.
