Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Police doing a traffic stop (Image Credit: Pattison Media)
Safe Driving

B.C. Highway Patrol targets impaired drivers during high-risk weeks

Jun 15, 2026 | 11:03 AM

B.C. The Highway Patrol (BCHP) is running a shorter impaired-driving campaign this summer.

The crackdown on drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol began Monday, June 15 and will run to July 31, instead of going to Aug. 31 as it has in past years.

BCHP said the change aligns with data that shows when people are more likely to engage in these kinds of activities.

“It makes sense to align the Summer Impaired Driving Campaign with the time of year where people are choosing the riskiest behaviours,” Inspector Adam Tallboy with B.C. Highway Patrol said.

“This isn’t just about awareness. We’re trying to get drivers to change their behaviours and save their own lives and the lives of the people around them.”

Police encourage the use of a designated driver or taking a rideshare or taxi, have plans to safely get to and from parties and celebrations, and have plenty of rest and recovery before driving.

“Drivers can expect increased impaired driving enforcement from both marked and unmarked police vehicles, and they may be subject to mandatory alcohol screening,” Tallboy said.

“People who choose to be impaired by alcohol or drugs will face serious consequences.”

Highway Patrol said officers would be keeping an extra eye out over long weekends and during special events where people would be likely to consume alcohol and drugs, and there would also be extra traffic check stops over the course of the campaign.

View Comments