Surrey police nail large number of impaired drivers

Surrey Police Service is reminding drivers about the serious dangers and consequences of impaired driving after issuing over 70 impaired driving-related prohibitions over the May long weekend.

This past long weekend, SPS’s Road Safety Section and Impaired Driving Unit officers were proactively patrolling for impaired drivers.

Between Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18, the officers issued 73 impaired driving-related prohibitions ranging from Criminal Code impaired driving charges to Immediate Roadside Prohibitions.

“Impaired driving remains one of the major causes of collisions across British Columbia,” said the SPS. “SPS would like to remind drivers that alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, and certain prescription medications can all impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle by impacting reaction time, judgement, coordination, and attention.”

Some helpful safety tips include:

• Leave your car at home and use a taxi or ride share service
• Plan your transit route before you go so you know how to get home safely
• Choose a designated driver who will stay sober and get you home safely
• Never get into a vehicle with a driver you believe may be impaired
• If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1.