The Delta Police are aiming to keep drunk drivers off the road this Canada Day weekend, and for the rest of the summer for that matter.
Beginning immediately, police will be on the lookout for signs of impaired driving, speeding, aggressive driving, seatbelt enforcement, and other safety infractions
"These initiatives are carried out for enforcement and educational purposes in an effort to reduce the carnage on our highways," said A/Sgt. Lisa Coupar.
Throughout July and August the Delta Police will be at various locations conduction their Summer Counter Attack road blocks, sponsored in part by ICBC, to reduce the incidence of impaired driving and traffic violations.
Things to consider:
– Never get into a vehicle if the driver is not sober.
− Pre-plan your transportation options;
• Taxi• Public transportation• Designated driver• Volunteer organization that offers transportation on a donation basis• Family member or friend - arrange a meeting time and location
"When sober these considerations appear to be common sense, however alcohol is known to impair common sense and judgment," said Coupar.
If you suspect a drunk driver is on the road … call 911 and report it to the police immediately.
DPD issues 374 tickets in commercial vehicle blitz
The Delta Police conducted an inspection of all commercial vehicles passing through the Delta area last week, finding close to 200 safety violations.
During a three-day inspection beginning on June 18, police surveyed over 400 vehicles and found nearly 50 per cent were in violation of basic vehicle or driver adequacy tests.
The inspection, dubbed the Commercial Vehicle Safety Initiative, focused on business vehicles that the police believed could threaten other drivers on the road.
According to the police, Delta has one of the highest ratios in B.C. of trucks, buses, and taxis transiting its roads on a daily basis, raising the risk of accidents caused by poorly operated vehicles.
Police and their support staff stopped vehicles throughout Delta to conduct checks on brakes, tires, lights, steering, load security, driver licensing and general alertness.
In total, police issued 374 violation tickets, impounded three vehicles, and issued one indefinite license suspension.
The inspection was one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the province, utilizing staff and resources from police departments in Delta, Vancouver, New Westminster, as well as WorkSafe BC, the Canadian Pacific Police, and the Ministry of Finance.
The police believe the initiative will encourage local shipping and transit businesses to keep track of vehicle maintenance and driver records in order to help promote safer driving throughout Delta.
A video of the inspection is available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_5Ov3tX2Sc