Over the summer season, the British Columbia Highway Patrol reported apprehending 626 motorists under the influence.

During the summer campaign, from June 15 to Aug. 31, the B.C. Highway Patrol stepped up its efforts to combat impaired driving, with a focus on mandatory alcohol screening for any driver pulled over for a lawful reason.

In the East Kootenay region, more than 1,500 drivers were checked using this method. One driver, travelling at 153 km/h in a 90 km/h zone, was found to be in the "warn" range for alcohol impairment. As a result, this individual faced a three-day driving suspension, a seven-day impoundment of their vehicle, and a $368 fine for excessive speeding.

The B.C. Highway Patrol's efforts proved fruitful, with a total of 626 impaired drivers taken off the road across the province. The Kootenay region had the highest number of drug-impaired prohibitions and charges, with 31 violations recorded.

The province's northern region followed closely, with 146 impaired drivers stopped, and a high percentage of prohibitions and charges during the crackdown. Metro Vancouver-Sea to Sky-Fraser Valley region and central B.C. also saw 150 and 111 impaired drivers stopped, respectively.

Mandatory alcohol screening can be completed in less than two minutes, making it a quick and effective tool in the fight against impaired driving. It's worth noting that drivers who refuse the breath demand are committing a criminal offence, with penalties similar to those for impaired driving charges.

The B.C. Highway Patrol also reported multiple instances of drivers being stopped for speeding only to discover they were also impaired. This underscores the importance of regular checks and the need for drivers to prioritize road safety.

Speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving are the three most significant contributors to fatal collisions in B.C. The summer crackdown serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure our roads are safe for all users.

In conclusion, the B.C. Highway Patrol's summer campaign against impaired driving resulted in the removal of numerous impaired drivers from the roads, demonstrating the effectiveness of mandatory alcohol screening and the commitment of the patrol to road safety.

Over the summer season, the British Columbia Highway Patrol reported apprehending 626 motorists under the influence.