ICBC campaign targets drunk driving in B.C.

Impaired driving remains a leading factor contributing to fatal accidents in B.C., ICBC says in advance of its October Zero Crash Month awareness program.”Police-reported incidents indicate alcohol was a contributing factor in over 23% of all fatal crashes in 2004, second only to speeding (33%),” ICBC announced in a press release. “Some 93 people were killed in alcohol-related collisions in 2004, down from 105 in 2003, and approximately 3,200 were injured, down from 3,300 in 2003.”ICBC projects 22,000 vehicle crashes will take place involving B.C. residents in 2005. “Nearly 6,500 British Columbians will be injured in those crashes,” it adds.According to Inspector Norm Gaumont, OIC “E” Division, RCMP Traffic Services, impaired driving remains a leading contributing factor in fatal collision in BC. “Getting drunk drivers off our roads is a priority for the police,” he says. “If you choose to drink and drive your chances of getting caught have increased. We have new tools and expanded resources focusing on getting impaired drivers off our roads.”Earlier this year, B.C.’s provincial government introduced new initiatives to reduce drinking and driving. New measures include a mandatory assessment program for drivers convicted of drinking and driving and an ignition interlock system. The system requires a breath sample with zero alcohol in order for the vehicle to start.As part of the ICBC’s Zero Crash Month initiative, registered communities that reduce their crash statistics by the largest percentage are eligible to win a road safety grant of between $5,000 and $35,000.