IRSU expects a busy weekend

The traffic enforcement unit of the local RCMP has already been seen in some unusual spots around town, and the plan is to keep up that visibility through the long weekend.

The RCMP and ICBC are urging British Columbia's drivers to take it easy this weekend and make sure that they are travelling safely and legally.

Speeding seemed to be on the minds of the local Integrated Road Safety Unit on Saturday as the bright yellow jackets and radar guns were spotted at a number of surprise locations around town, with particular interest being dedicated to the the park zones and their daylight hours reduced speed limits.

The weekend blitz will include seat belt checks and roadblocks looking for impaired drivers as well.

The Daily news had a piece on the provincial plans in Friday's paper.

Police put enforcement in high gear for BC Day
The Daily News
Friday, August 03, 2007

Page one

RCMP all over the province will be out in full force B.C. Day long weekend in an effort to ensure everyone has a safe weekend.

The increased presence and roadblocks during the summer season weekends has been a success so far. There was only one death reported during the May long weekend, and the more recent Canada Day holiday weekend was also rather quiet in B.C.

But that doesn't mean ICBC nor the RCMP intends to take a break with the latest summer weekend about to take place. ICBC is once again encouraging all motorists to take extra care this weekend, and to avoid high-risk driving behaviours, including drinking and driving.

"There are serious consequences if you drink and drive," said Solicitor General John Les. "Don't ruin your long weekend by getting a driving suspension, having your car impounded, or much worse, killing yourself or someone else. Please drive responsibly."

According to ICBC, during the past five years (2002-06), there were on average 547 injuries and six fatalities in 1,690 vehicle accidents during the B.C. Day long weekend. These crashes cost ICBC and B.C. drivers more than $14.2 million in claims.

"Bad driving habits affect everyone's insurance rates," said Nicolas Jimenez, ICBC's director of road safety and loss prevention.

"ICBC invests in road safety to keep rates low and stable, but motorists need to do their part by driving safely."

Locally, it's expected that the Integrated Road Safety Unit will be busy in and around the Prince Rupert area to ensure residents enjoy a safe long weekend.