The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) have launched their annual road safety initiative coinciding with the holiday season.

The CounterAttack campaign formally kicked off this Saturday, with trained VPD officers conducting roving road checks throughout the city to detect impaired drivers.

“December marks the start of the festive season, and a lot of people will be heading out to social functions where alcohol and drugs may be consumed,” said Sergeant Steve Addison. “Drivers could be stopped anywhere at any time for a sobriety test, and anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could have their vehicle impounded and face criminal charges.”

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VPD said that motorists who will be stopped for a road check may be asked to show their driver’s licences and participate in a roadside test if the officer believes they are intoxicated.

“The vast majority of drivers act responsibly, either by planning a ride home or choosing a designated driver who hasn’t consumed alcohol or drugs,” said Addison. “Unfortunately, some impaired drivers still don’t plan ahead and think they can avoid getting caught. That behaviour puts lives at risk, and we’ll be taking a zero-tolerance approach with anyone who drives while impaired.”

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VPD said that the police have the authority to immediately suspend an impaired driver’s licence from 12 hours to 90 days, depending on the person’s driving record and level of impairment, and impound vehicles for up to 30 days. More serious cases could result in criminal charges and even longer driving suspensions, the police department added.

The department is also urging anyone who suspects someone to be driving drunk or under the influence to call 911 immediately.