Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Jill Sperling

Plan a Safe Ride Home

First night of Operation Red Nose service coincides with CounterAttack roadchecks

Nov 29, 2019 | 4:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but one moment of poor judgment could snuff out the Christmas cheer.

“We know that within the Southern Interior, 23 people are killed as a result of impaired driving collisions, and this is about a little over 600 collisions across the Southern Interior as a result of impaired driving,” said Ingrid Brakop, road safety coordinator with ICBC.

Throughout the holiday season, impaired driving kills an average of 68 people across B.C.

It’s for this reason roadchecks will be set up for ICBC’s annual holiday CounterAttack campaign.

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“Expect to see some RCMP officers around the city of Kamloops this Christmas season,” Brakop said. “They’re doing a great job out there on the roads to keep impaired drivers off the road. Along with ICBC, we’re just reminding drivers that if you are planning on partying a little bit over this Christmas season, make sure that you plan a safe ride home.”

A safe ride could mean taking public transit, calling a friend, or calling Operation Red Nose.

The designated driving service that picks you up and drives you home in your own vehicle starts tonight (Nov. 29).

Image Credit: CFJC Today

“It’s a fantastic program, we are keeping impaired drivers off the roads,” said Operation Red Nose coordinator Tara Holmes. “We’re getting you and your vehicle home safely and we’re raising funds for PacificSport.”

There will be 15 nights of service this holiday season.

“We’re ready for all of those parties starting tonight, and all the way through,” Holmes said. “Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, (250) 372-5110, give us a call even if you’re just having a couple of glasses of wine at someone’s house. We are there for you.”

Holmes says volunteers are still needed for several positions.

“I think if you don’t have a Christmas party and you have a free night in December, why don’t you consider contacting us, kamloops@operationrednose.com, and giving back and getting out on the road and doing one night.”