B.C. government, police and ICBC marked the 35th anniversary of the CounterAttack program with the launch of the December impaired driving campaign.
In 1976, the year before CounterAttack roadchecks started, more than 300 people were killed in impaired related crashes every year in the province. While attitudes towards drinking and driving have changed considerably since then, an average of 113 lives are still lost each year and impaired driving remains the second leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C.
If festivities involve alcohol, arrange for a designated driver or use other safe options to get home safely – call a taxi, take transit or call a sober friend.
Another option is Operation Red Nose, a volunteer service in 13 cities across B.C., including Nanaimo, that provides safe rides home for drivers and their passengers.
ICBC supports CounterAttack through an education campaign and enhanced police enforcement and also provides materials to businesses, sports facilities and community groups to help prevent impaired driving.
For holiday season driving tips and more on the CounterAttack campaign, please visit icbc.com.