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By Dylana Kneeshaw

SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES

B.C motorists reminded to avoid impaired driving ahead of long weekend travel

Jul 30, 2020 | 4:54 AM

KAMLOOPS — Ahead of the B.C Day long weekend, ICBC and police are advising drivers to avoid drinking if they’re getting behind the wheel.

In a release, ICBC says police will be setting up CounterAttack road checks all around the province to get impaired drivers off the roads.

Those who are caught driving under the influence could face jail time, fines, car impoundment, or higher insurance premiums.

According to five-year data from ICBC, an average of four people are killed in crashes over the B.C Day long weekend. For the Southern Interior, an average of 94 people are hurt in long weekend crashes each year.

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If you do plan on drinking, ICBC recommends using friends and family, taxis, ride sharing, transit, or shuttle services to get home.

The crown corporation also says most long weekend crashes occur on Fridays, so it’s best to leave on Thursday or Saturday morning to avoid traffic congestion.

With more motorcycles on the roads during summertime, drivers are also asked to be mindful of blind spots, and scan any intersections.

Throughout the summer, motorists are reminded to be patient with slower moving RVs. However those driving a recreational vehicle below the speed limit are asked to pull over to let others by.

ICBC notes this courteous move is safer than a driver unsafely passing out of frustration.