Whether it's a vehicle or a boat, RCMP reminding citizens to remain sober when getting behind the wheel.

By Laurice Gomes

Don't drink and drive

RCMP reminding citizens not to operate vehicles, boats while under the influence

Jul 28, 2022 | 6:00 PM

CHILLIWACK — With the B.C. Day long weekend on the horizon, combined with lots of sunshine, citizens are being reminded not to operate a vehicle or a boat after a few cold ones.

Sgt. Mike Sargent, detachment commander of the Agassiz RCMP, said the message is simple—just don’t do it.

“This is a good opportunity for the police to remind the public not to drink and drive and not to boat and drive,” Sgt. Sargent said. “We see an increase in these kinds of activities during long weekends.”

He also said that enhanced visibility and awareness to deter drinking and boating is high on the to-do-list for the RCMP this weekend.

“They are quite often out in Cultus Lake, Harrison Lake, those types of areas,” he said. “Also, if there are reports, then we can respond to those and address them as we see fit.”

AbbyPD

Police respond to stabbing, two fires in Abbotsford

3h ago

Black Dog

Led Zeppelin tribute act comes to Chilliwack

4h ago

Environment Canada says strong winds are coming to parts of B.C. starting on Monday.

4h ago

And the list of consequences for drinking and getting behind the wheel can be endless, inconvenient, and sometimes fatal.

“Drinking and driving, obviously you can lose your licence or you can lose your vehicle, it can become impounded,” Sgt. Sargent said matter-of-factly. “There’s a potential that you may injure yourself or somebody else, you could be looking at jailtime or at least having to go through the court process to deal with that.”

He added that drinking mixed with any outdoor activity has contributed to drownings in lakes, and other tragedies.

“We’ve had boat accidents where the boat operator was either intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, and that’s led to collisions with other boats or unsafe manoeuvres that have resulted in the boat capsizing and subsequent drowning or injury to those on the boat,” he emphasized.

Andrea Angers is a volunteer for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada said it’s important to always have a backup plan.

“It’s best to always arrange to have a designated driver,” Angers said. “Also, if you weren’t planning on consuming anything, and then suddenly you are impaired, always call an Uber or a taxi, or stay overnight if possible.”

Sgt. Sargent hopes that those who are planning on drinking this weekend will think twice before getting behind any wheel.

“It’s good to have fun, just be cautious,” he said. “We just want everyone to have a safe long weekend.”