Kamloops RCMP have issued more than a dozen 90-day prohibitions since Counter Attack started Dec. 1 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

COUNTER ATTACK

Kamloops RCMP still nabbing impaired drivers during COVID, urging people to plan ahead over the holidays

Dec 21, 2020 | 4:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — While many people are staying at home this Christmas, the Kamloops RCMP say it’s pulling just as many impaired drivers during its Counter Attack season.

Since Dec. 1, local police have taken 31 drivers off the road. There have been 15 driving prohibitions for 90 days, meaning the drivers blew over the legal limit. There have also been seven people who’ve been issued 24-hour prohibitions, including five related to drugs.

“With what’s going on with COVID, we’d like to see a change, or we thought we’d see a change, given the fact that a lot of the nightclubs have been closed down,” noted Cpl. Brian O’Callaghan from the Kamloops RCMP. “But apparently the messaging still isn’t getting out and people are still not planning ahead like they should be doing.”

Pubs are still open and people are still out and about during the holiday season. There are still opportunities for people to make a poor decision.

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“Unfortunately, people still choose to drink and drive, so every year we have the same message that we pass on to the motoring public, which is if you’re planning on having a beer, a glass of wine, a couple of Christmas cocktails, plan a safe ride home.”

If you’re caught, fines can range from $600 to $4,000, but police say education is key before it happens.

“It’s very important for people to get on board and start being more conscientious about what it is that they’re doing going forward,” said O’Callaghan. “We don’t want to have to take away more licenses and impound more vehicles if we don’t have to. It’s a difficult time for everybody right now.”

There is no Operation Red Nose this year due to the pandemic, but there are other options like taxis and designated drivers. Even with people staying home and connecting with their families online, they still need to be thoughtful about their choices.

“If you are planning on, even having a Zoom call with your family or friends and you’re going to have a couple of cocktails on that call and you have to go to the grocery store afterwards, make sure that you plan that in advance,” noted Brakop. “So get somebody who is your designated driver to come and pick you up and go grocery shopping with you, or plan on doing that first and if you’re going to have some Christmas cheer, then just plan to stay home as well.”