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(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

Police will be ramping up enforcement of impaired driving laws during the annual Counter Attack road checks throughout the province next month.

During December, there will be an increased police presence including check stops, mandatory alcohol screening, standardized field sobriety tests and the use of drug recognition experts to catch impaired drivers, according to ICBC media release issued today, Nov. 30.

“Getting together with friends and family this time of year to celebrate is something we all look forward to. Enjoy yourself and have a good time, but please do it responsibly," Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in a media release.

"Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or other drugs, can have deadly consequences and there is zero tolerance for those who choose to put themselves and others at risk.”

More than 20% of fatal collisions in BC are caused by impaired driving and drivers are being urged to plan a safe ride home.

“Tragically, too many people are injured or killed in preventable alcohol and drug related collisions every year,” Const. Terleski said. “Keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility and it starts by making good choices before you get behind the wheel. If you are going to drink alcohol or consume cannabis, don’t drive and arrange in advance for a safe ride.”

ICBC supports Operation Red Nose, which provides rides for anyone who feels unfit to drive, no questions asked. Operation Red Nose is active in Kamloops between Nov. 24 and Dec. 31.

For a complete list of communities participating in Operation Red Nose go here.

For statistics on impaired driving go here.

For a list of the penalties for impaired driving go here.

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