A pair of dramatic crashes in late March highlight a 17-per-cent increase of impaired drivers taken off the road by officers on the West Shore.
From Jan. 1 to to March 31, West Shore RCMP has taken 53 impaired drivers off the roadway – a 17-per-cent increase from the same time period last year. Of those drivers, 49 were charged for impaired driving under the Motor Vehicle Act with charges recommended against the remaining four drivers under the Criminal Code.
“West Shore RCMP is committed to keeping our roadways safe. We want to thank the numerous citizens who have called police to report suspected impaired drivers. Calling police right away increases our chances of locating and stopping suspected impaired drivers,” media relations officer Cpl. Nancy Saggar said in a news release.
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Among them were two impaired investigations within 24 hours, RCMP said.
The first was March 27 shortly before 4 p.m. when police were called for a two-vehicle, head-on collision near the 4100-block of Sooke Road in Metchosin.
Police say the driver of a 2006 Chrysler 300 crossed the centre line, hit a 2007 Ford F150 pick up truck, flipping the truck.
Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Sooke Road was shut down for a number of hours which significantly impacted drivers.
Officers saw signs of alcohol impairment in the Chrysler driver and an impaired driving investigation is underway as police await blood test results.
The next morning, just before 7 a.m., West Shore RCMP received multiple calls from concerned citizens regarding a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup swerving in and out of lanes. Officers located a matching pickup on Jacklin Road near Langford Parkway in Langford.
Police say the man driving showed signs of alcohol impairment and a subsequent roadside screening showed he was twice the legal limit.
An impaired driving charge has been recommended against the driver along with a 90-day driving prohibition, the vehicle was towed and a he was issued a ticket for having cannabis within reach of the driver ($230 fine).
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