KELOWNA — There are significantly more drunk drivers compared to last year, according to Kelowna RCMP.
New statistics show there have been 503 alcohol-related encounters on the road, compared to 192 in 2012.
But those numbers may be deceiving.
Kelowna Constable Kris Clark says the disparity is due to the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) Program.
This program is less time consuming for the police officer, freeing them up to spend more time screening motorists.
Last year, the program was suspended briefly during the six months.
As a result, officers did not have the option of roadside suspension and more drivers were given criminal charges.
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Under this program, some first-time offenders are given a 3 to 90 day driving suspension and their vehicles impounded — the penalty varies per driver and breathalyzer result.
Now, drivers will face a criminal charge if they have a recent history of impaired driving or if there was a crash involved.
But Wade Jenson, a criminal defence lawyer, says drunk drivers are getting a huge break.
“Unlike the old system, drunk drivers are not not investigated, and thus prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” says Jenson.
It is a double edge sword: officers can deal with more people and improve road safety more quickly under the new program, but can it curb the problem?
“A number of people,” says Jenson “will think they can get away with driving in this province, and so are more likely to do it again.”
Here’s the media release of the new findings:
Between January 1 and June 30, 2013, police have recorded over 500 contacts that resulted in Impaired Driving charges or prohibitions under the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) Program:
Criminal Code Impaired / Refusal Charges: 13
Immediate Roadside Prohibition Fail / Refusal: 359
Immediate Roadside Prohibition Warn: 131
For comparison, that’s a 262% increase in the number of contacts between January 1 and June 30, 2012:
Criminal Code Impaired / Refusal Charges: 78
Immediate Roadside Prohibition Fail / Refusal: 50
Immediate Roadside Prohibition Warn: 64
The statistics were gathered from the Central Okanagan Traffic Services, along with officers from Kelowna, Lake Country and West Kelowna.
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