News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

FORT SAINT JOHN, BC - RCMP Traffic Services and Fort Saint John City Traffic services, enlisted the assistance of additional resources from Dawson Creek and Prince George to conduct seat belt and impaired driving enforcement in the City of Fort Saint John and along Highway 97 and other rural roadways over the September 24,25,26 weekend.

This initiative, similar to the one conducted inthe area September 10th to 12th, was to address the alarming incidence of non compliance with seat belt regulations, aggressive driving, and the high number of impaired drivers in the Fort Saint John area. Each of the four collision fatalities which have occurred in the Fort Saint John area this year to date has involved one or a combination of these three factors.

This weekend's enforcement initiative resulted in 24 impaired drivers being apprehended, twenty-one 24hour driving prohibitions issued, 64 seat belt violations, and 174 other traffic violations of which 72 were speeding. One drug seizure was made resulting in one male being charged for possession of a controlled substance. Three prohibited drivers were apprehended, one criminal code warrant excecuted, and two other criminal code offences apprehended.

Fort Saint John residents should consider the number of impaired drivers being apprehended in the area an alarming figure, with September alone seeing over 80 drivers removed from the roadways due to alcohol related offences. Residents are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to Police, and to diligently support and utilize the many alternate forms of transportation available to those who have consumed alcohol.

Winter months will arrive in the Peace Region very soon, bringing with it a return to challenging winter driving conditions. Active enforcement to reduce speeds and increase seat belt compliance will be increased accordingly in the weeks ahead.

Apprehension of impaired drivers continues to be a priority.

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