B.C. police to step up enforcement against impaired drivers as holidays approach

Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Metro Vancouver (MADD) are reminding holiday party-goers to arrange for safe rides home.

At a joint press conference this week, MADD and Richmond RCMP launched the 37th annual Project Red Ribbon Campaign against impaired driving.

"The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it's a time when we see a rise in impaired driving incidents," Supt. Julie Drotar said.

"Lives are needlessly lost and families are forever changed because someone made the choice to drive while impaired."

Project Red Ribbon by MADD is a campaign promoting sober driving. Supporters tie a red ribbon onto their vehicle, backpack, briefcase or purse to raise awareness and show support for those who have been killed or impacted by impaired driving. 

Jacob Simmons, a cyclist who was hit and killed by an impaired driver in 2020, is being honoured as part of this year's campaign. 

"He was just 27 years old, if you can imagine that," said Bob Rorison, MADD Metro Vancouver representative.

In B.C., an average of 61 people die each year because of impaired driving, and RCMP say it is the third leading cause of death on the road.

"These red ribbons and car deckles … represent lives lost, families shattered and communities forever changed," Rorison said. 

WATCH | P.E.I. mother speaks about loss of son killed by drunk driver: 

'No other family should feel this pain': P.E.I. mom talks about impacts of impaired driving

26 days ago

Duration 3:06

Jacob Simmons, a 27-year-old P.E.I. man who was killed by a drunk driver in 2020, is the face of MADD Canada's red ribbon campaign this year. At a recent kickoff event, Jacob's mom Brenda spoke about her son and the consequences of impaired driving.

According to ICBC, the province has the toughest impaired driving laws in Canada. Driving impaired can result in jail time, vehicle impoundment, driving suspensions and fines that range from $600 to $4,060. 

Fifty per cent of impaired driving-related crashes happen on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday and 69 per cent of all impaired drivers in crashes are male, according to ICBC data.

Richmond RCMP's road safety unit is actively looking for impaired drivers, and will be setting up extra road blocks during the holidays.

"We are urging the public this holiday season to plan ahead," Cpl. Adriana O'Malley said.

That could mean choosing a designated driver before a night out begins, taking a taxi or rideshare, or using public transit.

"Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol or any other form of substance that could impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle," O'Malley said.

Another option for a safe ride is Operation Red Nose, a volunteer chauffeur service. It will be operating in Abbotsford and Chilliwack from Dec. 6-28, in Kamloops and Prince George from Nov. 29 to Dec. 28, and in Williams Lake from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21.