“Don’t press your luck” road safety campaign

Ridge Meadows

2023-03-20 14:25 PDT

File # Public advisory

Pitt Meadows, B.C. – Ridge Meadows RCMP were reminding motorists at the start of the St. Paddy’s Day weekend to not take any chances when it comes to distracted and/or impaired driving.

On Friday morning, March 17th, police along with their crime prevention volunteers, a very lucky leprechaun mascot, their ICBC Road Safety partners, and the City of Pitt Meadows Bylaw enforcement team performed a distracted driving awareness campaign along Harris Road in Pitt Meadows. Stationed at key intersections where stopped motorists could safely see messaging, volunteers collected speed data while police remained on the look-out for distracted drivers. In total the following offences occurred and drivers were ticketed for;

• Over 1800 vehicles viewed for speed and distracted driving infractions
• 3 violations for use of electronic device
• 3 Bylaw violations for overweight trucks
• 3 Seatbelt infractions
• 1 on-view accident with an N driver and possible impairment (investigation underway)

Later that same evening, and into the early morning, Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Community Response Unit and General Duty members continued their patrols throughout the community resulting in;

• 3 Immediate Roadside Prohibitions
• 1 impaired by drugs with impoundment
• 1 possible impaired by drugs (investigation underway)
• 1 violation issued for driving contrary to restrictions

Anything that takes your attention away from driving is a distraction, states community partner, Kate Woochuk, local ICBC Road Safety and Community Coordinator. When you’re distracted, you risk not only your own safety – but also the safety of your passengers and of others on the road. We urge drivers to take this issue seriously and make the commitment to stay focused on the road while behind the wheel.

Sgt. Crystal Heisler, who led police roadblock initiatives that evening states, Of the more than 500 vehicles we checked, many were being operated by people choosing to be a designated driver for the evening. This was great to see so many planning ahead for a safe ride home.

Released by
S/Sgt. Michelle Luca
Ridge Meadows Detachment
Main Office: (604)463-6251
GRC de Ridge Meadows / Gouvernement du Canada
 

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