A pedestrian was struck by a suspected drunken driver in Vernon Thursday night. Just before 9 p.m., Vernon RCMP received a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and 20th Street. Officers arrived to find paramedics providing medical treatment to the victim. “The investigation determined that the 14-year-old female pedestrian was crossing 43rd Avenue in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a vehicle turning left onto 43rd Avenue from 20th Street,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. says Terleski. The victim was transported from the scene for non-life-threatening injuries. “While speaking with the driver, the investigator suspected the woman’s ability to drive was impaired by alcohol and read her a mandatory breath requirement,” says Terleski. The 44-year-old Vernon woman gave a breath sample that registered a “failure” on a roadside monitor. She was given an immediate 90-day driving ban under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and her vehicle impounded for 30 days. “There is no excuse for impaired driving,” Terleski said. “Incidents like this are completely preventable. If you are going to consume intoxicants, be responsible and always plan ahead and have a safe, sober ride home.”
