Goal is to not catch any impaired drivers: RCMP

Police also remind drivers not to leave vehicles running — at risk of fine or theft

’Tis the season. Saturday is National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, marking the start of the RCMP’s heightened efforts to take keys from motorists who are too intoxicated by drugs or alcohol to be behind the wheel.

“People can expect some extra, increased enforcement on the roads,” said Cpl. Ted Manchulenko, head of the RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services Unit.

“It shouldn’t be unfamiliar to people seeing road checks pop up where you least expect them — or where you might expect them.”

Manchulenko said officers will be out day and night, “so expect to be checked.”

“And hopefully we don’t catch anybody who’s impaired. That’s our goal, and I think people are becoming a little more educated in it,” he continued.

“We’ve run into hundreds of vehicles that have got three people in the car that are obviously intoxicated and you’ve got one person as a designated driver who’s taking everyone home, and I think that’s the goal. If we can make that happen, everybody goes home safe and we’re happy.”

The officer also reminded drivers to take extra care on the roads and give themselves extra time as winter sets in, and to avoid leaving their cars idling while unattended and unlocked, which can draw a $109 fine or make an attractive target for thieves.

“I realize it’s cold and I realize there’s frost in the windows, but . . . don’t start your car and go in the house,” he said. “You’ll be taking the bus because your car won’t be there.”