Six drivers in Delta – including a taxi driver - are facing fines and vehicle penalties after being pulled over by police for suspected impaired driving – all in a span of three and a half hours.
Delta police issued a news release Tuesday morning after the surge in impaired cases last Friday, Aug. 9.
A/Insp. James Sandberg said officers conducted a proactive road safety blitz during a 3.5-hour period.
“This operation underscores the ongoing dangers of impaired driving and the department’s unwavering commitment to protecting the community,” said Sandberg.
Here are the incident summaries:
Stop 1 - 9:41 p.m.
An officer stopped a vehicle shortly after it left a local pub. The driver provided a roadside breath sample that registered a “warn.” As a result, the officer issued a three-day driving prohibition, and a sober driver drove the vehicle away.
Stop 2 - 9:42 p.m.
Officers responded to a collision involving an off-duty taxicab that had struck a parked car. The officer suspected impairment, and the taxi driver subsequently provided breath samples at and near four times the legal limit. The driver was issued a 90-day administrative driving prohibition, a 24-hour prohibition, and the taxi was impounded. The driver also faces criminal impaired driving charges.
Stop 3 - 10:58 p.m.
An officer observed a vehicle leaving a local liquor store. A roadside sobriety check revealed the driver was in the “warn” range, resulting in a three-day driving prohibition. The vehicle was also towed from the scene.
Stop 4 - 11:20 p.m.
Officers attended a single-vehicle collision where a car struck the centre median. During the ensuing investigation, the driver failed to provide a suitable roadside breath sample and was consequently served a 90-day driving prohibition for “refusal.” The vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Stop 5 - 11:23 p.m.
A driver was observed leaving a local pub and subsequently stopped by officers. The driver failed roadside breath tests, leading to a 90-day driving prohibition and a 30-day vehicle impound.
Stop 6 - 1:07 a.m.
During a traffic stop in North Delta, an officer detected the odour of liquor from the driver. The driver refused to provide a breath sample and was served a 90-day driving prohibition for “refusal.” The vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
“The DPD remains steadfast in its mission to enhance road safety for all road users,” added Sandberg. “The removal of these six impaired drivers, including two drivers who were involved in collisions, in such a short timeframe, is a stark reminder of the risks that impaired driving poses to everyone on the road. Our patrol officers will continue to conduct proactive enforcement and respond swiftly to reports of impaired driving.
“Remember, impaired driving endangers lives. We urge all drivers to make responsible choices. Have a plan in place to get home before you start drinking — don’t drive impaired. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.”
