Vernon RCMP nab drunk driver who hit street light

An impaired driver's vehicle finally came to a standstill last evening when their vehicle collided with a street light in Vernon.

The RCMP received several calls from the public about an erratic driver in Vernon around 6:20 p.m. yesterday, Sept. 8.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, a complaint came saying a possible impaired driver was heading westbound on Highway 6. Before police could locate the driver another call came through saying the vehicle was now heading southbound on Mission Road.

Police say eyewitnesses report the driver swerving into the lane of oncoming traffic. The vehicle eventually hit a street light in the 900 block of Mission Road and the vehicle came to a stop.

"Since police cannot be everywhere at once, we rely on members of the public to alert us to dangerous driving behaviour," Vernon RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Tania Finn said in the release. "By reporting impaired drivers to police, members of the public play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe."

The RCMP found the driver at the scene and issued a 90-day roadside driving prohibition, and impounded the vehicle for 30 days. The RCMP report there no injuries resulted from the incident.

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