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By Dylana Kneeshaw

OPERATION RED NOSE

Kamloops residents reminded to plan ahead to avoid drinking and driving

Dec 14, 2021 | 10:06 AM

KAMLOOPS — Holiday gatherings are in full swing, and if you’re planning on going out and enjoying an adult beverage, police say you shouldn’t be getting behind the wheel.

“Last weekend we sent out a press release, we saw some of the damage done to a police car that was trying to stop an impaired driver,” says Kamloops RCMP’s Cst. Crystal Evelyn, “It’s just a reminder of how dangerous it is when there’s an impaired driver out there on the roadway.”

Typically, police see an increase in drinking and driving over the holidays. According to data from ICBC, an average of 65 people die every year in crashes involving impaired driving. On top of the risk to life, drivers could also receive jail time, and thousands of dollars in fines.

“It’s very important that any time you’re going out and you plan to drink – even if you’re not sure if you think you might only have one (drink) – make arrangements well before you go out,” stresses Cst. Evelyn, “Don’t wait until the day of.”

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In Kamloops, a popular service to avoid drinking and driving is Operation Red Nose. The annual campaign raises money for Pacific Sport Interior athletes, and brings holiday revellers and their vehicles safely home.

“So you know that office party, you go for a couple of bevvies – give us a call on Thursday,” says Carolyn Boomer with Pacific Sport Interior BC. “We aren’t operating on the 23rd because it’s so close to Christmas, but this Thursday the 16th, 17th and 18th, and then the 30th and then the 31st. So we’ve got five nights left in the campaign.”

To book a ride with Operation Red Nose (ORN), call 250-372-5110 between 8 p.m and 2 a.m.

So far ORN has given 227 rides over eight nights of service, and with more Christmas parties and New Years Eve coming up, they’re looking for volunteers.

“If they want to volunteer, then get their criminal record check done now, because of course that’s good for 3 years. So even if something comes up and you don’t volunteer, you’re already ahead of the game for next year to volunteer,” says Boomer, “So yes, by all means, please fill out your application form. We’re looking for volunteers for New Years because that typically is a busy night, as well as this Saturday coming up.”

It’s not hard to avoid drinking and driving, Operation Red Nose and Kamloops RCMP say it just takes planning ahead.