ROAD SAFETY – Signs ask public to report suspected impaired drivers

New road signs encouraging the public to call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers are being installed  around Kamloops through a partnership between MADD Kamloops, the City and RCMP.

MADD Canada’s Campaign 911 is a community mobilization program that encourages the public to help make roads safer by alerting police to suspected impaired drivers before potentially deadly crashes occur.

As part of the initiative, 10 “Campaign 911 – Report Impaired Drivers” signs are being installed at various locations.

“If you see a driver you suspect is impaired, call 911,” said Lisa Lizzi-Davidson of the Kamloops Chapter of MADD.

“Campaign 911 reminds everyone that impaired driving is an emergency situation. A simple phone call could prevent a crash, save a life and help get a dangerous driver off the road.”

RCMP Cpl, Dana Napier added, “If you suspect a driver is impaired or observe unsafe driving report it. When safe to do so, call 911 and report what you saw and let police officers assess the situation.”

Signs of possible impaired driving may include:
• Swerving or drifting within a lane
• Crossing the centre line or shoulder
• Driving significantly below or above the speed limit
• Braking or accelerating for no clear reason
• Nearly hitting another vehicle, pedestrian or object
• Making unusually wide turns or driving unpredictably
• Ignoring traffic signals or road signs

Anyone seeing a driver they believe may be impaired is advised to:
• Keep a safe distance and focus on your own driving.
• Activate dash camera if available.
• If you can safely do so, note the vehicle’s licence plate, direction of travel, make, model and
colour.
• Tell police what you observed, including specific driving behaviours and where you saw them.
• If you have a passenger, ask them to make the call and provide information.
• If you are driving alone, pull over somewhere safe before calling.