The annual Counterattack campaign against drunk drivers has claimed its first impaired driver, Langley RCMP announced.

On the night of Nov. 30, the Mounties set up a road check on the 204th Street overpass in Langley City, said Cpl. Holly Marks.

At midnight, a southbound driver was stopped, and as he showed signs of being impaired, he was given a roadside breathalyzer test, and failed.

The 45-year-old Langley man was given a 90-day roadside prohibition and had his car impounded for 30 days, said Marks.

While police pull over suspected drunk and drugged drivers all year round, the CounterAttack December campaign is an annual event during the holiday season, when parties and family events give more opportunity for imbibing.

Marks said that 31 per cent of fatal crashes in B.C. every year involve impaired driving, making them preventable tragedies.

Residents in Langley are not happy with drunk drivers, a stance shown by the fact that police here receive numerous tips every year about suspected impaired driving incidents, Marks said.

As always, police recommend people make good choices, whether using a designated driver, taking a taxi, staying overnight with friends, or calling Operation Red Nose.

The volunteers from Operation Red Nose in Langley and Surrey gave 192 safe rides home, bringing the caller's car along with them.