Penticton police concerned about rash of drunk drivers

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP are warning drivers about drinking and driving after alcohol factored in a serious collision in the Penticton area last week.

Penticton RCMP’s traffic services officers responded to a collision near Kaleden on July 18 around 8 p.m. to find a vehicle rolled three times prior to coming to rest in a ditch, according to an RCMP media release.

Members of the Kaleden Fire Department used extrication tools to pull the driver from the vehicle.

After interviewing several witnesses, police believe alcohol was a factor in the collision.

Police spokesperson Const. James Grandy said in a press release issued this afternoon, July 23, the traffic section had issued 90-day immediate roadside prohibition earlier the same evening for another driver found to be impaired, and a three-day roadside prohibition was issued shortly after for a third driver.

RCMP are reminding motorists alcohol and driving don’t mix. So far this year Penticton police have issued 50 impaired driving immediate roadside prohibition charges, not including other driving-related suspensions issued in the three, seven or 30-day categories.

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