By 250 News

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Drinking and driving is still a major problem in the north.

Latest stats released by ICBC to coincide with Zero Crash Month, indicate that over the past five years , alcohol was a contributing factor in 29% of all fatal crashes in the North District.

In 2005 in the North Central region, there were 25 fatalities and almost 430 injuries in approximately 600 alcohol-related crashes. That makes the region's share a little more than 10% of the 5,300 alcohol related crashes throughout the entire province, and accounts for nearly 20% of all the fatalities (121).

Late in 2005, initiatives to get more drinking drivers off the road took full effect allowing: 24-hour vehicle impoundments, mandatory rehabilitation for impaired drivers, and ignition interlock.

It is predicted 22,000 car crashes resulting in 6,000 injuries will occur in B.C. during the month of October.