Mounties say the number of impaired drivers that have been taken off the streets in the West Shore has gone up 17 per cent this year, compared to the same time in 2023.
Between Jan. 1 and March 31, 53 impaired drivers were stopped by police, up from 45 the year before.
Police say 49 of those 53 drivers are facing impaired driving charges under the Motor Vehicle Act, while police have recommended criminal charges for the remaining four drivers.
Two of the recent impaired driving incidents occurred within a 24-hour period last week.
The first crash occurred on March 27, when Mounties were called to the 4100-block of Sooke Road in Metchosin for a report of a head-on crash.
Investigators believe a 2007 Chrysler 300 crossed the centre line of the road and collided with a 2007 Ford F150 pick up truck.
“The force of the collision caused the F150 to flip onto its side,” said RCMP in a release Thursday.
Police say both drivers suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Mounties add that officers saw signs of alcohol impairment in the driver of the Chrysler 300, and investigators are still awaiting blood tests as part of their impaired driving investigation.
Second crash
Less than 24 hours later, in the early hours of March 28, police say they received multiple reports from concerned citizens about a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck swerving in and out of lanes in Langford.
Mounties tracked the truck to Jacklin Road near Langford Parkway, where police say the driver was showing signs of alcohol impairment.
The driver offered a breath sample which indicated he was roughly twice the legal blood-alcohol limit, according to RCMP.
He was issued an immediate 90-day driving ban and his vehicle was towed from the scene.
He was also issued a $230 fine for operating a vehicle with cannabis in it, since officers say they spotted 14 grams of cannabis in the truck that was within reach of the driver.
“West Shore RCMP is committed to keeping our roadways safe,” said Cpl. Nancy Saggar, media relations officer with the West Shore RCMP.
“We want to thank the numerous citizens who have called police to report suspected impaired drivers. Calling police right away increases our chances of locating and stopping suspected impaired drivers,” she said.
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Adam Chan
