At almost twice the legal limit, 49-year-old faces impaired charge

Kelowna RCMP are warning drivers against impaired driving this holiday season after a drunk driver nearly collided with police vehicles early Sunday morning.

Officers were conducting a road check on the William R. Bennett Bridge at 1:35 a.m., when they were drawn to the dangerous movements of a late 1990s black Chevrolet Cavalier.

The two-door vehicle, which had front-end damage, including a flat passenger-side tire, was seen speeding along the highway.

It allegedly came to a screeching halt just short of colliding with marked police vehicles on the bridge.

An officer approached the vehicle and noted the airbags had been deployed.

The driver failed a roadside breath test and was taken to the RCMP detachment, where she provided breath samples in excess of twice the legal limit.

The driver, a 49-year-old Kelowna woman, faces potential impaired driving charges.

She was later released from custody and is expected to appear in court on March 19.

“Our enforcement officers in Kelowna and all across the Central Okanagan will be conducting roadside checks throughout the holiday season at several undisclosed locations, specifically targeting impaired drivers who choose to put themselves and other road users at risk,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“If your holiday festivities involve alcohol, plan ahead for a safe ride home.”