Penticton RCMP ready to target impaired drivers with increased roadside checks

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP are preparing for the Christmas season with concentrated efforts to keep drunk drivers off the road.

Cpl. Ted Muchalenko says National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day takes place on Dec. 3, kicking off the Christmas roadside enforcement season for the Penticton RCMP.

Roadside checks could pop up anywhere and at any time.

“Expect increased enforcement, daytime and nighttime,” he says. “Expect to be checked.”

“Hopefully we won’t catch anyone this year."

Muchalenko also notes colder weather in the forecast means a return to winter driving conditions. He cautions motorists to take time to ensure they scrape their windshields to ensure adequate visibility, and not to leave vehicles unattended after starting.

“If you do, you could be walking to work,” he says, noting the practise not only invites theft, but is illegal and subject to a $190 fine.

“Be prepared for winter driving. Slow down,” he says.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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