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Impaired drivers still a concern, say Abbotsford Police

Abbotsford Police are concerned about the number of impaired drivers still on the road, despite legislation last fall that introduced tougher penalties.
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Abbotsford Police checked more than 5

Abbotsford Police are concerned about the number of impaired drivers still on the road, despite legislation last fall that introduced tougher penalties.

Statistics released today (Wednesday) showed that police locally held six CounterAttack roadblocks from July 1 to Aug. 6, checking more than 5,200 vehicles.

Of those, police issued one criminal code charge, 21 immediate roadside prohibitions, eight 24-hour suspensions, 63 violation tickets and nine written warnings.

Also issued were 36 "notice and orders" (defects to vehicles), one administrative driving prohibition and 26 vehicle impounds.

Vinet said although the tougher laws have resulted in many people changing their driving behaviours, others aren't getting the message.

"We continue to hear the same old excuses: 'I only had a couple.' 'I had no way of getting home.' 'I was just coming from a friend's house.' There is no good excuse for getting behind the wheel while you're impaired."

Vinet said police will continue to "aggressively target" impaired drivers.

He said the goal is for no family to find out that their loved one was killed because of someone's irresponsible actions on the road.