News release

Terrace BC Highway Patrol uses every legal authority to reduce impaired driving on August long weekend

August 12, 2025 - Terrace, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

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The BC Highway Patrol mandate to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions has gotten another long weekend boost from Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) in Terrace.

Over the 2025 August long weekend, Terrace BC Highway Patrol issued 54 Approved Screening Device (ASD) demands that led to the following:

• 1 90/30 Day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP);
• 1 three-day IRP;
• 1 24-hour prohibition.

Fortunately, there were no impaired driving deaths in Terrace over the long weekend, but impaired driving remains the number one cause of criminal death in Canada. That’s why in 2018, the government of Canada created new police authorities to make it easier to detect and discourage people who choose to drive while impaired.

“Any driver stopped by police for any lawful reason must provide a breath sample upon demand,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “We are using Mandatory Alcohol Screening regularly and frequently in every corner of the province. When you get the breath demand, please remember that we’re not accusing you of anything, we’re just working to reduce deaths on our roads.”

Federal government studies show that MAS is having a positive effect reducing deaths in Canada.

“BC Highway Patrol’s top three priorities are based on the top three killers on BC roads: Impaired driving, distraction, and speeding,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “We do not answer 911 calls or investigate major crimes. Our sole focus is highway safety and traffic stops, and that’s what we do.”

Other long weekend BC Highway Patrol traffic stops around Terrace resulted in:

• 6 excessive speeding tickets (resulting in vehicle impounds);
• 101 speeding tickets;
• 5 tickets for using an electronic device while driving;
• 7 seatbelt tickets.

Contacts