Cpl. Chris Newel
On January 19, Kimberley RCMP officers served a 90 day driving prohibition for impaired driving after observing evidence in the fresh snow. Officers were on Highway 95A east of Kimberley when they observed vehicle tracks that were seen to cross the center line and fog line several times. It was snowing and the tracks were clearly seen in the fresh snow so officer knew they weren’t far behind the driver.
They caught up to the vehicle near TA TA Creek and activated the emergency equipment. The vehicle stopped and then began to drive away, it stopped short distance away. The officer approached the driver and noted an odor of alcohol. He was detained for impaired driving and read the breath demand. The 32-year old male supplied two breath samples, both a fail. He was served a 90 day driving prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Police often observe first hand driving behavior which may provide them evidence to stop the vehicle, other times citizens will witness erratic driving and call police. Not sure how often evidence in the snow becomes the mechanism which results in an impaired driver being safely removed from the road.