Revving up road checks

Kelowna RCMP is cracking down on impaired driving by revving up road checks in December.

Traffic services will be conducting stops throughout the city as part of the provincial Operation CounterAttack impaired driving campaign that runs until Dec. 31.

With National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day on Dec. 4, the service hopes to spread the message of not driving drunk.

“Unfortunately, people haven’t got the message, they’re still driving under the influence,” Cpl. Frank Roberts told Kelowna10 at a recent road check.

“It’s a real simple thing, just don’t do it. Call a cab. Call a friend. That’s what we’d like to see.”

Roberts said it’s important for the public to be alert during these routine check stops as confusion can lead to inured officers.

“They’ll try to drive through our road check not paying attention, more mesmerized by the lights rather than the police officer standing in front of them,” he explained.

As for people who have been drinking and driving, Roberts said it’s interesting to hear their stories.

“You can smell the liquor on their breath. They’ll admit that they haven’t had anything to drink when it’s evident that they have. Also, the amount of drinks will change. It’ll go from one, to a few, to several. Their stories change throughout the stop,” Roberts said.

Penalties for impaired driving are expensive. Driving suspensions can range from 24 hours to 90 days, along with a vehicle impoundment. Fines range from $600 up to $4,000, and there is always the possibility of jail time.

In a media release, the RCMP said it’s not just driving under the influence of alcohol that is dangerous.

“People need to understand using drugs, both illegal and prescription drugs, is just as dangerous,” Sgt. Mark Booth said.

Since January 2021, Kelowna RCMP officers have removed 800 impaired drivers from the roads.