CounterAttack roadchecks start this weekend

December 01, 2021

ICBC and police are teaming up for the annual December CounterAttack campaign, urging drivers to be responsible and plan ahead for a safe ride home this holiday season.

The campaign kicks off this weekend and police will be looking for impaired drivers at roadchecks set up across the province throughout December.

More people may choose to attend holiday gatherings this year where public health orders allow, but one message remains as strict as ever: if you drink, don't drive.

While progress has been made since CounterAttack roadchecks began, impaired driving remains one of the top three contributing factors for fatal crashes in B.C. – claiming the lives of 65 people and injuring 1,700 every year.

More than half of impaired-related crashes occur on the weekend*, which is why ICBC and police are reminding drivers to make smart decisions if their holiday festivities involve alcohol.

ICBC has led impaired driving education campaigns and funded CounterAttack enhanced police enforcement for over 40 years. Learn more facts and tips in ICBC's infographic.

Quotes:

Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

“This year, we're all looking forward to holiday gatherings and special festivities. But remember to celebrate safely as police will be out in full force looking for drivers who may be impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. B.C.'s annual CounterAttack impaired driving campaign is designed to help keep our roads safe, and families and friends together. Impaired driving by alcohol or drugs is a preventable, dangerous decision that too often results in serious injuries or death. We encourage you to embrace the joy of the season, while making safe and responsible choices." 

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC's Vice-President of Public Affairs and Driver Licensing

“While it's exciting that more of us are able to​ gather for celebrations and events this year, it's important that we all do our part to prevent crashes and save lives. When you drink and drive, you not only risk your life but those of others on the road. If your festivities include alcohol, please be responsible and plan ahead for a safe ride home – arrange a designated driver, call a taxi or take transit."​

Regional impaired statistics:**

• On average, 16 people are killed and 830 injured in 1,500 impaired driving related crashes in the Lower Mainland every year.

• On average, 11 people are killed and 320 injured in 600 impaired driving related crashes on Vancouver Island every year.

• On average, 24 people are killed and 390 injured in 660 impaired driving related crashes in the Southern Interior every year.

• On average, 14 people are killed and 190 injured in 310 impaired driving related crashes in North Central B.C. every year.

Editor's notes:

Several police detachments throughout B.C. will invite media to attend CounterAttack roadchecks in their communities during a one-day blitz on Dec. 4.​

*More than half of impaired-related crashes (56 per cent) occur on the weekend (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).

**Injuries, crashes and fatal victim counts are police data, five-year average 2016 to 2020. Impaired driving is defined to include alcohol, illicit drugs and medicines. Crash data from 2020 may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.