Number of impaired northern B.C. drivers stopped by police in December bucks trend

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Results from the BC Highway Patrol’s winter impaired driving campaign shows a decrease overall with the exception of one area of B.C.: the north.

The annual campaign is designed to spot impaired drivers with extra checkpoints, patrols and enforcement techniques throughout December, which is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

According to a press release, 27 fewer drivers were pulled over for alleged impaired driving offences than in 2024, for a total of 240 drivers provincially.

Inspector Adam Tallboy with BC Highway Patrol said the public “shouldn’t read too much” into the numbers as “weather conditions and staffing from year-to-year are major factors” with regard to totals.

“We are encouraged by some of the lower impaired numbers in central B.C., but the increase in northern B.C. is concerning,” said Tallboy. “Overall, B.C. drivers still need to do a better job of driving sober.”

Of the six regions across B.C. screened, three surpassed their numbers. The northern part of the province, classified as “most communities above 100 Mile House,” saw an increase of 12 drivers being charged with alcohol offences, for a total of 64.

Both the south coast and special traffic operations around Vancouver also saw an increase of seven and six drivers respectively, to a total of 13 and 33.

Penalties for impaired driving included eight 24-hour licence suspensions for drugs and 89 total suspensions for alcohol, according to the release.

“Driving on B.C. highways is a privilege that needs to be treated with the respect it deserves,” said Tallboy. “People who are impaired and endanger other road-users will be removed from the highways.” 

Recently, ICBC data showed drivers were willing to speed in all kinds of weather, including in snow during the winter months.