By Blair Qualey
Although the holiday season is over and folks around BC are getting back to their routines, recent reports from the BC Highway Patrol and RCMP highlight a sobering reality about the levels of impaired driving in our province. In December 2024, BC Highway Patrol took an impaired driver off the road every 3 hours. While December is often a time for celebration, these statistics serve as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in ensuring our roads are as safe as they can be — and it starts by not getting behind the wheel if you’ve been indulging.
The RCMP’s release of these numbers comes with a powerful message: impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of injury and death on British Columbia’s roadways. Despite years of public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement measures, many drivers are still taking unnecessary risks.
December 2024 prohibitions in BC Highway Patrol’s five regions according to the RCMP:
- North (100 Mile House and north, excluding Clearwater); 52 prohibitions.
- South East Central (including Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops and Clearwater); 81 prohibitions.
- Lower Mainland (including Pemberton to Hope); 45 prohibitions.
- South East Kootenay (including Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Grand Forks, east to Alberta); 36 prohibitions.
- Vancouver Island; 53 prohibitions.
It is encouraging to see BC Highway Patrol’s efforts making a tangible difference. In December, road checks were intensified across the province, catching hundreds of impaired drivers before tragedy could strike. These initiatives save lives, and the numbers reflect the importance of consistent enforcement and education campaigns. In addition to this, tools like roadside breathalyzers and drug screening devices ensure that impaired drivers are more likely to face immediate consequences.
Yet, enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. The real change must come from each of us, by planning ahead, choosing a designated driver, using ride-hailing services, or hosting friends and family for the night.
Impaired driving isn’t just about breaking the law; it has devastating consequences for families and communities. Making the decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to irreversible outcomes, including death and life-altering injuries. While less severe, the financial costs are also significant, ranging from fines and vehicle impoundment to increased insurance rates and legal fees.
The NCDA is proud to advocate for road safety and driver education. Through partnerships with law enforcement and community programs, we aim to spread awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and promote safe driving habits. The automotive industry also continues to innovate with features that can help mitigate risks, such as alcohol detection systems that prevent vehicles from starting if impairment is detected.
As we look ahead to a bright 2025, we encourage all drivers to make safety their top priority. This means committing to never driving under the influence. Let’s work together to ensure that BC’s roads are not only scenic but also among the safest in Canada.
By staying vigilant and making responsible choices, we can reduce impaired driving incidents and create a culture of accountability on our roads. Let’s all do our part to make BC’s highways a safer place for everyone.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].