In wishing the Tri-Cities a "Merry Christmas," Coquitlam Mounties are asking local residents choosing to have more merriment this year to not drink and drive.
The public plea comes after the detachment issued 206 violation tickets during a recent traffic enforcement stint, reminding drivers of the consequences for ignoring the rules of the road.
Light Up The Highway is an annual campaign across the Lower Mainland in continuing to crack down on impaired driving by alcohol, drugs or medication, which, ICBC says, kills roughly 80 people in the province each year.
On the night of Dec. 3, Coquitlam cops at various locations checked 30,884 vehicles.
Of that total, 827 drivers, or 2.7 per cent, were given screening tests for suspected driving under the influence — and only eight failed.
However, spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins explained RCMP handed out 34 three-day immediate roadside suspensions, and seven of those were for drug-impaired driving.
As well, she said six tests resulted in criminal impaired investigations.
"Don't drive under the influence," Hodgins urged in a statement, noting such an infraction can result in 24-hour to 90-day suspensions.
"There are lots of alternatives, such as [appointing] a designated driver, stay the night, use a ride-share program or a call a taxi."
Operation Red Nose (ORN) has also provided dozens of safe rides home each weekend in December to date, but it will not be offering the by-donation service over the Christmas weekend.
It's next scheduled evening is set for New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) and into the early hours of Jan. 1, 2023 — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — which is also the last day of its latest campaign.
As the holiday is typically the busiest night for ORN volunteer drivers, spokesperson Jackie Weinkam said "the sooner the better" is preferred for interested residents to sign up as the process requires a week to complete.
"We'd love to have more people get involved on the organizing committee, volunteering to drive and work in the office, and get more businesses on board as sponsors and having some of their staff out driving," she told the Tri-City News in an earlier interview.
To learn how to become a volunteer, you're encouraged to visit ORN's website or email the organization directly at [email protected].
In the meantime, Coquitlam RCMP ask residents to call 9-1-1 if they witness excessive speeding, dangerous driving or suspected impaired driving.
Those who have concerns about speeding in their neighbourhood should contact the Tri-Cities Speed Watch team at [email protected].
