It doesn’t take much alcohol or many drugs to impair your driving. Just because you’ve only had a couple of drinks doesn’t mean you’re okay to drive.

This week Kamloops RCMP has started their Counter Attack program and there will be extra officers on the road looking for impaired drivers for the next month.

British Columbia’s drinking-driving laws are tough on impaired drivers. The vehicle can be immediately taken off the road and impounded for three to 30 days. Costs related to these offences can add up to $600 – $4,000 – even it if it’s the first time a driver is caught. And, a person who is found to be impaired while driving is subject to criminal charges.

Officers trained as Drug Recognition Experts can determine if you’re under the influence of a drug and you can be charged with impaired driving.

The consequences of impaired driving are massive. You’re risking your life and the lives of others. You can be charged criminally and the ripple effect on you, your family and friends can be huge.

What can you do? Before the first round make a plan; have a designated driver, plan on taking a taxi, public transportation or using Operation Red Nose.