Drive safe and sober this Canada Day: ICBC

The Insurance Corporation of B.C. is asking drivers to be safe and sober when behind the wheel this Canada Day.

The Crown corporation says, on average, there are 640 motor vehicle collisions resulting in 90 injuries and one death in B.C. every Canada Day.

Those incidents include 120 crashes and 27 people injured in the Southern Interior.

ICBC asks that people not drink and drive and instead find alternative transportation options including taxis and public transit after consuming alcohol.

“We all have a role to play in keeping the roads safe this summer, and it starts with making a plan to get home safely,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s Vice-President of Customer Experience and Public Affairs.

“There’s no excuse to drink and drive. If your summer activities involve alcohol, always use a designated driver, call a taxi or ride share, or take transit.”

Additionally, RCMP across B.C. will be ramping up enforcement looking to get impaired drivers off the roads this Canada Day and into the summer months.

Impaired drivers could have their licenses suspended for a period of 24 hours up to 90 days; have their vehicle impounded; face a fine ranging from $600 to $4,060; face potential jail time; or be required to have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle. Drunk drivers may also have to pay a driver risk premium on top of their insurance.

On average, 65 people die in B.C. each year in collisions where the driver was impaired.