Plan a safe ride home this holiday season

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2022-12-22 10:34 PST

File # Public Announcement

With holiday celebrations just around the corner, Coquitlam RCMP is reminding the public to plan a safe ride home.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has life or death consequences. According to ICBC, every year, an average of 80 people are killed in BC where impairment by alcohol, drugs or medication was a contributing factor.

Don’t drive under the influence, said Media Relations officer for Coquitlam RCMP, Corporal Alexa Hodgins. There are lots of alternatives, such as: appoint a designated driver, stay the night, use a ride-share program or call a taxi.

Police officer and operation red nose volunteers standing in front of a police vehicle

View a larger photo: Police officer and operation red nose volunteers standing in front of a police vehicle

Operation Red Nose runs again on December 31, 2022 for its final day within the Tri-Cities. This service runs by donation, between 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. If you need a safe ride home for you and your car, call 778-866-6673 or visit their website for more information.

Police officer speak with driver of a black truck during Light up the Highway Campaign

View a larger photo: Police officer speak with driver of a black truck during Light up the Highway Campaign

During the December 3, 2022 Light Up The Highway campaign, Coquitlam RCMP checked 30,884 vehicles. Out of these vehicle checks, 827 Approved Screening Device tests were administered resulting in 6 Criminal impaired investigations, 8 failed tests, and 34 3-day Immediate Roadside Suspensions. Police are training to detect both alcohol and drugs during the course of an impaired driving investigation. As a result, 7 motorists received Roadside Suspensions for drugs. The total campaign resulted in 206 violation tickets being issued.

The laws in B.C. prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol an/or drugs. Impaired driving could lead to driving prohibitions and suspensions which could range from 24-hours to 90-days. To learn more, visit alcohol and drug related driving prohibition and suspensions.

To learn more about Impaired Driving, visit the Government of Canada website.

Released by

Cpl. Alexa Hodgins

Media Relations Officer
Coquitlam RCMP
2986 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, B.C V3B 7Y5
Office: 604-945-1580

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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