Impaired cases spike during ale festival

Police were kept busy with impaired drivers in Penticton this weekend, over the same period that the Fest of Ale event was held.

The RCMP BC Highway Patrol said on Friday and Saturday nights combined, 14 people were issued driving prohibitions related to alcohol impairment.

“Police noted a sharp incline in the amount of impaired drivers compared to a usual weekend, but it is unclear how many of the impaired drivers originated from the event itself,” Sgt. Ryan McLeod said.

All of the drivers were issued driving prohibitions ranging from 24 hours to 90 days, plus towing and impound fees. In the majority of cases (nine of 14), 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions and 30-day vehicle impoundments were issued.

One driver, a 40-year Penticton man, faces criminal charges after being found to be driving while prohibited and impaired. The driver provided breath samples of 200 and 180 mg, more than double the limit for a criminal charge.

“While I am concerned about the number of people found driving while impaired over the weekend, I was also very impressed by the large number of people who came through our road checks using designated drivers or taxis to ensure they got home safely. It is critical to plan ahead for a sober ride home and we thank those who did,” McLeod, unit commander of BCHP Keremeos, said.

Click on the links for more information regarding the Vehicle Impoundment Program and the consequences of Impaired Driving.