British Columbia police have reported that they have arrested 58 individuals for impaired driving while traveling to and from the Shambhala Music Festival. The festival, which took place in Salmo, BC from August 9th to 12th, drew in thousands of attendees from all over the province.
According to the RCMP, the majority of the arrests were made on Highway 3, the main route to the festival. Police set up roadblocks and conducted sobriety tests on drivers, resulting in 58 individuals being charged with impaired driving. This number is significantly higher than last year’s festival, where only 34 impaired drivers were caught.
In a statement, Sgt. Chad Badry of the RCMP Traffic Services Unit expressed concern over the high number of impaired drivers on the road. He emphasized the dangers of driving under the influence and urged festival-goers to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation.
The Shambhala Music Festival is known for its electronic music and attracts a large crowd of young adults. In response to the high number of impaired drivers, festival organizers implemented a “Sober Ride Home” program, offering free shuttle services to nearby towns for those who were unable to drive.
Despite these efforts, the number of impaired drivers on the road remains a concern for law enforcement. Sgt. Badry stated that the RCMP will continue to monitor the roads and enforce impaired driving laws to ensure the safety of all drivers.
The 58 individuals who were charged with impaired driving will face consequences such as license suspensions and fines. The RCMP also reminded the public that impaired driving is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences, including jail time.
As the festival came to a close, the RCMP reported that there were no major incidents or accidents related to the event. They credited this to the cooperation of festival-goers and the efforts of law enforcement to keep the roads safe.
In conclusion, the high number of impaired drivers caught on the roads leading to and from the Shambhala Music Festival is a concerning issue. The RCMP urges all drivers to plan ahead and make responsible decisions to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
