West Shore RCMP has increased its efforts to curb impaired driving, with a notable 17% increase in charges compared to the same period last year.
From January 1st to March 31st, the detachment said a total of 53 impaired drivers were removed from the roadways, marking a significant rise from the 45 drivers charged during the corresponding period in 2023.
Out of the 53 apprehended drivers, 49 have been charged under the motor vehicle act for impaired driving, while charges under the criminal code have been recommended against the remaining four individuals.
According to West Shore RCMP, the month of March saw a particularly high number of impaired driving cases, with 19 drivers caught by police during the month alone.
Among these cases were two noteworthy incidents that occurred within a 24-hour period.
The first incident took place on March 27th, when West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle head-on collision near the 4100-block of Sooke Road in Metchosin.
Police said a 2006 Chrysler 300 crossed the center line and collided with a 2007 Ford F150 pickup truck, causing the F150 to flip onto its side.
Both drivers sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital.
Responding officers noted the driver of the Chrysler 300 appeared to be impaired by alcohol prompting an investigation.
Investigators are still awaiting test results to determine the driver’s blood alcohol level.
Sooke Road was temporarily closed causing significant disruptions to traffic flow in the area.
The following morning, on March 28th, concerned motorists alerted West Shore RCMP to a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck seen swerving erratically on Jacklin Road near Langford Parkway in Langford.
West Shore RCMP located the vehicle and its 53-year-old male driver, who police say displayed signs of alcohol impairment.
Upon inspection, police discovered approximately 14 grams of Cannabis within the driver’s reach. Subsequent breathalyzer tests revealed that the driver’s blood alcohol level was approximately twice the legal limit.
As a result, the driver faces an impaired driving charge, along with a 90-day driving prohibition. Additionally, the vehicle was towed, and the driver received a violation ticket for operating a vehicle with Cannabis inside, incurring a $230 fine.
“West Shore RCMP is committed to keeping our roadways safe,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, media relations officer with the West Shore RCMP.
“We want to thank the numerous citizens who have called police to report suspected impaired drivers. Calling police right away increases our chances of locating and stopping suspected impaired drivers,” Saggar added.
