Greater Victoria police report 'very concerning' rise in impaired driving, crackdown coming
Security camera footage captured on the night of Nov. 11 shows a car speeding along Douglas Street in Victoria. It races through a red light, spins dangerously out of control and crashes into a pole.
The person behind the wheel is being investigated for impaired driving.
On Wednesday night in Langford, B.C., a driver was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
"It's anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 in order to get both your vehicle and your licence back,” says West Shore RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Nancy Saggar.
Over in Saanich, B.C., police have seen a huge spike in impaired drivers this year.
"From January to June of this year, we saw a 120 per cent increase in impaired driving files reported, compared to the same time period in 2021," said Saanich police Const. Markus Anastasiades
Over the Halloween weekend, 14 impaired drivers were taken off the roads by Saanich police officers.
"By the end of September, our stats show that we've investigated over 300 impaired-driving files already," said Anastasiades. "That’s more than one per day."
"It is very concerning," said Tracy Crawford, Western Regional Manager at Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD).
Security camera footage captured on the night of Nov. 11 shows a car speeding along Douglas Street in Victoria. It races through a red light, spins dangerously out of control and crashes into a pole. The person behind the wheel is being investigated for impaired driving.
MADD Canada says impaired driving was decreasing until bars and restaurants opened again following the end of pandemic restrictions.
"We’re going to see more injuries and deaths happening because of this," said Crawford.
With the Christmas party season fast approaching, police agencies will begin ramping up enforcement, beginning this weekend.
"We will be on the counterattack," said Saggar. "You will see traffic services from the West Shore, along with our general duty officers setting up check stops."
Saanich police are also ramping up enforcement, Anastasiades said.
MADD Canada says make sure you have a plan in place before getting behind the wheel after a night out.
"Make arrangements for somebody to come and pick you up at the end of the evening," said Crawford. "If you’re able to, maybe stay overnight if it’s a friend's place… there’s taxi services or a hotel."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.