The 2008 Counterattack Campaign will once again run from December 1st to the 31st inclusive. This year marks the 31st year police, Government and ICBC have partnered in the fight against impaired driving.

Education and enforcement have been key components to the success of the Counterattack program. It has been one of many initiatives that helped reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. The direct result has been a drastic reduction of the number of alcohol related injury and fatal collisions in the Province. In 1977, prior to Counterattack, more than 300 people died in crashes involving alcohol. Today we lose, on average, 120 lives to alcohol related collisions each year.

“The Counterattack campaigns, other initiatives, strategic enforcement and education have achieved amazing results over the past 30 years, reducing the number of deaths on the road by approximately 60%,” says Cst Dave Babineau of the RCMP Traffic Services in British Columbia. “The results have been great, but we are still dealing with 120 senseless, avoidable deaths every year. Until this changes, impaired driving will continue to be a priority for police across the Province.”

Officers conduct static and roving road checks throughout the year but their efforts will be stepped up for the month of December.

Remember, drinking and driving kills. The choice to drive or not to drive is yours. Please be a responsible adult and make the right choice. You could be saving a life and it might be yours.

Facts on Alcohol related crashes in BC:

Police Data (annual figures averaged over the last five years from 2003-2007)

• On average, 5,100 alcohol-related collisions occur each year.
• On average, almost 3,200 people are injured each year in alcohol-related collisions.
• On average, approximately 120 people die each year in alcohol-related collisions.
• Consistent with previous years, 62% of all fatalities and injuries in alcohol-related crashes occur on weekends (Friday, Saturday & Sunday).
• 48% of alcohol-related crashes occur between the peak hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
• Alcohol remains in the top five contributing factors of car crashes.
• 16-25 age group has the highest number of impaired drivers and account for 35% of total impaired drivers in alcohol-related collisions.
• Male drivers account for 81% of all impaired drivers in alcohol-related collisions.
• October has the highest number of impaired driving incidents, followed by November and December.
• Approximately 26% of motor vehicle fatalities are related to drinking and driving.