Image: Image: Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment / Sgt. Krista Vrolyk (pictured) of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment in Chilliwack says 12 impaired drivers were pulled over in a single night last Friday, June 30. She says that number is way too high and Chilliwack residents can expect to see more traffic enforcement, including more traffic stops, road checks and license premise checks – all aimed at preventing impaired collisions and fatalities.
RCMP removes 12 impaired drivers

Chilliwack RCMP intercepts 12 impaired drivers in a single night

Jul 5, 2023 | 11:12 AM

CHILLIWACK — On the eve of a long weekend, the Chilliwack RCMP had a busy night pulling over impaired drivers in nearly record fashion.

Despite reminders to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home, the Chilliwack RCMP says far too many people continue to drive impaired.

RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk says Chilliwack RCMP intercepted 12 impaired drivers on a single night.

“Too many people are missing the message,” said Sgt. Vrolyk, media relations spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP. “It’s simple. Don’t drive drunk or under the influence of drugs. This statistic represents the great work being done by our Members to ensure road safety, but it also reminds us of the grim reality that far too many people continue to drive impaired. Clearly more work needs to be done in order to prevent incidents of impaired driving. Far too many people continue to drive impaired and that poses a real threat to the safety of our community.”

On average, 64 people die every year in British Columbia in crashes involving impaired driving. Impaired driving remains the leading contributor of car crash fatalities in our province, Sgt. Vrolyk said.

“The risk of killing or injuring someone, losing your license, having your vehicle impounded, paying hefty fines and legal fees and potential jail time doesn’t deter everyone. What more does it take?” Sgt. Vrolyk said. “One impaired driver is one too many and the fact that we took 12 off the road in one night tells us that we have a lot more work to do.”

Sgt. Vrolyk says Chilliwack residents can expect to see more traffic enforcement, including more traffic stops, road checks and license premise checks – all aimed at preventing impaired collisions and fatalities.

“Come on Chilliwack. We need you to do better,” she said. “Plan ahead for a safe ride home. Use a designated driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare or walk. There is no excuse to drive impaired.”