Whether they are getting behind the wheel after too many beers at the barbecue or driving while texting a friend, a number of North Vancouver residents still haven't got the message about what's acceptable when you're in the drivers' seat, according to local RCMP.
On Sept. 5, North Vancouver RCMP's traffic patrol handed out 15 tickets after taking part in National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day. Officers set up roadblocks at several locations around North Vancouver. Six drivers who blew over .08 were handed immediate 90-day suspensions. Five more drivers, who blew between .05 and .08, were handed three-day suspensions. Others, including new drivers with any level of alcohol in their system or those who failed roadside sobriety tests, were issued suspensions of between 12 and 24 hours.
RCMP Cpl. Richard De Jong, spokesman for the detachment, said people are wrong if they think drunk driving is more likely to happen at Christmas. Warm weather, longer daylight hours and an emphasis on leisure and socializing in the summer can lead to spikes in the number of drunk drivers, he said.
This Wednesday, police were out again - this time reminding drivers to leave their phone alone and focus on the road. Officers issued 21 tickets for distracted driving in just an hour and a half. The fine for using an electronic device while driving without being handsfree is $167.
