Highway patrol was out in full force over the BC Day holiday and thankfully so.
Eight intoxicated drivers were removed from Kootenay Boundary roads during the long weekend crackdown by West Kootenay Traffic Services.
In addition to catching drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, officers made 12 illegal drug seizures and pulled over a significant number of speeders.
“Police saw the usual increased volume of traffic and were targeting aggressive drivers and impaired drivers,” says Cpl. Chad Badry from the integrated road safety unit. “Thankfully there were no serious crashes in our area.”
By far, the most tickets, over 50, were issued to speeders.
On top of that, traffic services impounded 12 vehicles after handing the 12 drivers tickets for excessive speeding, meaning they were exceeding the posted speed limit by 40 kilometres per hour.
“We will be working hard to keep our roads safe all summer long. So please remember to buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, drive within the speed limit, and keep your mind on your driving.”
Although the long weekend officially ended at midnight Monday, police are continuing to light up the highway as 12,000 Shambhala-bound festival goers arrive in the region.
Last year saw more than 70 excessive speeding tickets and vehicle impounds in the days surrounding the Salmo-based festival, in addition to numerous drug possession and drug trafficking charges.