Drivers must slow down. That’s the message from the West Kootenay Traffic Services and Nelson Integrated Road Safety Unit who say they have seen a “ very scary trend” since the May long weekend- excessive speeding, mixed at times with alcohol.
The highest speed encountered was 170 kilometres per hour in a 100 km speed zone.
As such, Sgt. John Ferguson wrote in a press release that the RCMP are out in full enforcement.
“There will be no leniency to vehicles travelling well over the speed limit or people putting alcohol into their bodies and driving,” he wrote. “Our aim is to have a safe summer and have the safest roads.”
The good weather has arrived early and the roads are becoming congested.
On the May long weekend, six drivers’ vehicles were seized for traveling 40 km/hr over the posted speed limit and the RCMP also took two alcohol impaired drivers off the road.
Last weekend, that trend continued.
Authorities took seven vehicles off the road for traveling more than 40 km/hr over the speed limit. Of those seven drivers, two of them were impaired and a third received an immediate three-day roadside driving suspension.
Another three separate impaired drivers were also apprehended. This does not include the seat belt and distracted drivers charged.
Ferguson wrote that speeding will only get people to a destination, “ five minutes before the person travelling at the speed limit, that is if you get there at all.”
“We urge people to slow down and not drink alcohol and drive. Besides the monetary fines it will save your life or others.”