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RCMP: Lucky drunk gets away with his life

A man is lucky to be alive after he smashed head-on into a power pole on Springfield Road Thursday afternoon.
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At 12:55 Thursday afternoon Dec. 1, emergency crews rushed to the scene of a single vehicle collision on Springfield Road near Graham Road.

Witnesses told police that the grey Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, which had been westbound on Springfield, had been driven erratically before the crash. It was reported that the pickup truck veered across the centre line before it collided head-on with a power pole.

During interactions between emergency crews and the driver, investigators noticed signs and symptoms of intoxication by alcohol. He was taken into police custody, an impaired driving investigation was started and a demand was made of the driver for a breath sample.

He was taken to the Kelowna Regional RCMP Detachment and refused to provide samples of his breath to police.

The driver, a 23-year-old Kelowna man, was issued driving prohibitions under the Motor Vehicle Act and faces potential charges. He was later released from custody and is expected to appear in court on March 27.

“This incident serves as a timely reminder as we enter into the holiday season, when drivers are faced with decisions which can be life altering,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in a press release. “We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. So, speak up against impaired driving, don’t let loved ones put themselves or others at risk. If you think someone on the road may be impaired, call 911.”

If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.