LAKE COWICHAN — Police on Vancouver Island conducted roadside checks in connection with a Nickelback concert this month, resulting in 142 breath-test demands and the apprehension of 18 drivers suspected of impairment. The British Columbia Highway Patrol reported that these checks took place in Lake Cowichan for the concert held on August 9.

In addition to the impaired driving cases, officers issued 54 other violation tickets during the checks. The alcohol screenings led to 13 drivers receiving immediate 90-day driving prohibitions, four drivers receiving three-day prohibitions, and one driver being banned for 24 hours.

The Nickelback concert at the Laketown Amphitheatre was promoted as the band's first performance on Vancouver Island in two decades.

The highway patrol also noted that during the previous weekend, they conducted 220 roadside breath tests around Lake Cowichan for the four-day Sunfest concert festival. This effort resulted in 11 driving prohibitions and 172 additional violation tickets.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safe driving, especially during large events where alcohol consumption may increase.