The Nanaimo RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit is “overall pleased” with the results of last weekend’s road checks on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
On Saturday, December 5, nearly 600 drivers were checked by officers, five were tested for alcohol consumption and one was arrested for impaired driving. Another person was arrested for Obstruction.
On National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, across every province and territory, thousands of police officers were out in force with one objective – get impaired drivers off of streets and highways.
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In Nanaimo, road checks were conducted from 7 p.m. to midnight at various locations throughout the city.
First, police say they made a non-alcoholic arrest. During one road check in the area of Enterprise Road and Highway 19A, a woman was arrested for Obstruction under the Criminal Code, after she refused to produce her driver’s license.
When the officer explained the reason for the road checks, she demanded to know where all future road checks would be so she could avoid them.
She then refused to hand over her driver’s license, even though she was repeatedly asked to do so. She was subsequently arrested for Obstruction and released on an Appearance Notice. Her first court date has been set for early February 2021 in Nanaimo Provincial Court, according to the RCMP.
One other driver was arrested later in the evening for impaired driving after attempting to evade a road check, that was set up in the area of Cypress St and Terminal Ave, says police.
The 29-year-old woman driver didn’t get far and was stopped a short distance away. The Nanaimo RCMP says she showed symptoms of impairment, so a breath demand was issued and a breath sample was taken, which she failed.
The officer then issued her a Roadside Prohibition for 90 days under the MVA, and her vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
“Overall the vast majority of drivers were appreciative of the RCMP’s efforts and wished them well. Not surprisingly, some took the opportunity to let the officers know how they felt being delayed for a few minutes,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
As an added bonus for those doing the right thing, officers handed out coffee cards to designated drivers. The cards were for a free coffee provided by a local McDonalds franchise, and were “a big hit and well-received by all”.
As officers adjust to COVID-19 safety protocols, the RCMP is asking for patience from all drivers.
“Also, please be patient as our officers are doing their part to keep you safe during the Holiday Season,” said O’Brien.
He says drivers should expect to see road checks throughout the month of December, on any given night and on any street or highway throughout Nanaimo.
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Rebecca Lawrence
