Over 130 impaired drivers taken off Vancouver Island roads: BC Highway Patrol

Impaired driving continues to be a major risk on BC roads, and this summer was no different.

Between June 15th to August 31st, BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) conducted its annual summer impaired driving campaign. During this time, they took 626 drivers off the roads across the province for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

On Vancouver Island, BCHP said officers stopped 131 impaired drivers. This total includes 15 drivers who tested positive for drug impairment.

Superintendent Mike Coyle, Operations Officer of BC Highway Patrol, stated the campaign highlights the need for drivers to take this issue more seriously.

“Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in BC. It’s simply unacceptable to think that it’s OK to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs,” said Coyle.

Vancouver Island drivers accounted for over one-fifth of all impaired cases in the province.

Only Metro Vancouver, the Sea to Sky area, and the eastern Fraser Valley region had slightly higher totals, with 150 drivers removed from the road. Northern BC had 146 impaired drivers. Central BC reported 111, while the Kootenay region had 88.

Related: Police issue 362 breathalyzer tests near Lake Cowichan for Sunfest and Nickelback concerts

BCHP has been using Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) more often. This means officers can ask any driver they pull over to give a quick roadside breath sample, even if there’s no sign of drinking.

MAS was widely used on Vancouver Island during the concert season for Laketown Ranch in August,  just outside Lake Cowichan, as they hosted both Sunfest and a sold out Nickelback concert.

During these two events, local police, including the BC Highway Patrol, ramped up operations in the area. This resulted in 362 breathalyzer tests, numerous roadside prohibitions being handed out for drinking and driving.

Police say that of the 362 breathalyzer tests, 277 were issued the mandatory tests.

Drivers who refuse to take a breath sample face the same criminal penalties as impaired drivers. BCHP states this tool helps identify impaired drivers who might not show clear signs of intoxication. The goal is to reduce alcohol-related crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Drug-impaired driving is still a major issue, especially in the Kootenays where 31 out of 88 drivers stopped were under the influence of drugs. However, Superintendent Coyle emphasized that the problem is increasing in all regions, including Vancouver Island.

“People, especially in rural areas of BC, need to take sobriety more seriously,” he said.

Speeding and impaired driving are two of the three leading causes of fatal crashes in BC, with distracted driving being the third.