A decision that defies logic has led to serious consequences for a Vernon woman, highlighting the severe risks of impaired driving during the holiday season.
An Ill-Advised Court Appearance
In a case that serves as a stark warning, a 28-year-old woman attended the provincial courthouse in Vernon in late October to challenge a traffic fine. The situation took a dramatic turn when the very Vernon Mountie who had issued the original ticket became suspicious that she was under the influence of alcohol.
From Courthouse to Vehicle Impoundment
The officer's suspicions were confirmed after the court proceeding. As the woman left the courthouse, police observed her getting into the driver's seat of a red pickup truck and driving away, stated Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the B.C. RCMP highway patrol. The vehicle was promptly stopped.
The driver failed a roadside breathalyzer test, leading to immediate penalties. She was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and her red pickup truck was impounded for seven days.
A Timely Reminder from Police
Corporal McLaughlin used this incident to emphasize the ongoing dangers of impaired driving, especially with the winter enforcement campaign in full swing. While a recent provincewide blitz indicated that many drivers are heeding the message, police stress that vigilance remains critical.
RCMP officers will maintain a strong presence on British Columbia's roads throughout the holiday period, actively working to remove intoxicated drivers and ensure public safety.
This incident in Vernon underscores a simple but vital rule: never operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs, a mistake that compounds legal troubles rather than resolving them.
