They may get challenged to the odd inebriated boxing match for doing it, but police are zeroing in on drunk drivers anyway.
The North Vancouver RC MP took more than three dozen drunk drivers off the road in one night, according to a release from the detachment. Two drivers are facing criminal charges and 18 motorists are looking at 90-day roadside prohibitions stemming from a crackdown on Friday, Dec. 12.
"Especially during this holiday season police want motorists to be safe and happy, free of any impaired driving consequences," stated North Vancouver RC MP Supt. Chris Kennedy in the release.
On average, 86 British Columbians die every year due to impaired driving, according to a release from the West Vancouver Police Department.
North Vancouver police took 53 impaired motorists off North Shore roads between Dec. 3 and Dec. 12, including one Alberta driver who allegedly challenged police to duke it out in a boxing match, and another impaired motorist who is accused of driving his 10-year-old daughter three blocks for an errand.
Police also handed a three-day immediate roadside prohibition to a driver who was allegedly impaired while taking his six-month-old infant and eight-year-old child to the airport.
But while police are making sure impaired drivers don't stay behind the wheel, the volunteers at Operation Red Nose are doing their best to make sure impaired drivers never get behind the wheel in the first place.
The North Shore arm of the national volunteer organization is currently looking for safe, sober drivers to help get inebriated people home on Dec. 31.
"We're always short on New Year's Eve," noted Jim Godey, co-ordinator for Operation Red Nose on the North Shore. The organization probably needs about 30 volunteers to help bring in the new year, according to Godey. The service is for anyone who feels they can't drive safely, either due to alcohol consumption or fatigue.
Operation Red Nose doesn't take reservations, nor do they demand payment. "We are not able to turn anybody down for lack of money," Godey says. "If you've got no money left we'll still drive you and your car home." The organization accepts donations, and any money raised by Operation Red Nose goes toward local youth programs. Drivers looking to volunteer with Operation Red Nose can call 778-288-8996 or send an email to [email protected].
