Prince George, B.C.- The RCMP have tallied up the number of offences racked up during Road Safety Week in B.C. which was May  12 – 18th. That week was chosen because it included the first “summer” long weekend.

 

Here are the provincial totals of tickets issued:

 

• Seatbelts: 1, 238
• Drinking and driving - suspensions, screening devices: 201
• Drinking and driving - criminal drinking and driving charges: 79
• Impaired by drugs: 4
• Aggressive Driving: 4,671

 

Police say the numbers are disturbing because  it appears some people just do not seem to be getting the message about aggressive driving, impaired driving and seatbelt safety though the overall trend in road safety is promising.

 

“The number of fatalities in this Province has decreased by over 100 in 2008 compared to 2002, this is a 25 per cent reduction in individuals being killed. This year the RCMP is committed to decreasing the numbers of fatalities by another 5 per cent. This will be done through enforcement and education on the major issue that cause Fatalities such as the lack of wearing seatbelt, aggressive driving and impaired driving. These were the three main priorities during the May long weekend and this will continue to be our priorities over the summer months,” says Supt. Gaumont.