Reporting a drunk driver
 

So recently I reported someone who appeared to be drinking and driving. I called in and gave them info about the driver and I gave all of my info when I was asked as well. Now my question here is, if this case is taken to court, will my name come up as a witness? I was under the impression that the caller remained anonymous? I really don't feel comfortable if the other driver finds out who I am, is there any way I can prevent this from happening?? Police mods could you please help me out here?
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Without a breathalyzer test, nothing will come out of this.

the driver was pulled over..

well the cops can call you and ask you to give a statement/come to court but you don't have to.. as far as I know.. I witnessed a really dumb fight before and the cops took my info even though I told them I wouldn't have the time for it. They called me anyways but I ignored it. If they pulled him over and took a breath sample I don't think there's any need for you to testify lol they have all the evidence they need

It depends. With impaired driving charges (criminally) you could be asked to provide a statement etc, and it would possibly require you to attend court. If the driver was pulled over and an IRP was done, then you don't have to provide evidence in court. The evidence in Impaired Driving is mainly from Driving behaviour and the ASD, and subsequent Breath Test that is done at the station. There really is no way of you saying "the guy was drunk beyond .08 blood alcohol content", because you don't know that. Not even the Police can tell unless an ASD or BT is done. So in short, your initial report to the Police is just a "suspicion" that the driver is impaired for whatever reason.

Uh, for the non-police-jargon-savvy, can you clarify all those acronyms please?

ASD (approved screening device aka roadside breathalyzer)

BT (breath test, as per earlier in my post)

IRP (immediate roadside prohibition) - the new legislation for impaired drivers under the Motor vehicle act. http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing...ohibitions/adp

Is a BT just someone blowing in the officer's face?

Or are they different tests that give similar results?

Also, what's an IRP?

No. Breath Tests are done by machines that used to determine blood alcohol levels, and are administered by an officer that is trained/qualified in the equipment, back at the Police station.

I explained and linked what IRP is already.

http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/share...Fact_Sheet.pdf

So long story short, the other driver can't find out who I am? Sorry, I'm just very paranoid right now..
Posted via RS Mobile

Do you even know the outcome of what happened? Did you provide the licence plate of the vehicle and where it was going?

If the police officer didn't contact you for an official statement, chances are the Police officer isn't forwarding charges against him for Impaired Driving under the Criminal Code.

Provided license plate and vehicle was pulled over.
Posted via RS Mobile

yep, If the case doesn't go to court & you aren't contacted to provide a statement, he won't find out.

But if it does and you're a witness, he'll find out.

I doubt it'd reach so far.

Just remember, you did the right thing
:thumbsup:

how long does it usually take for an officer to call you back on a matter like this?



thank you for all the responses. I was just a little worried the driver might find out who i am and come after me or something. ya i know, i have anxiety issues. lol..

Yes, you did the right thing but, your anxiety issues make it sound like you know the other driver. :suspicious:

He ratted someone out when they both were leaving a party lol. Must have been flirting with a girl he liked lol WHITE KNIGHT!

The officer won't tell the other party who called it in. That's not how it works. The ONLY time the other party might find out you were the one that found out is if it goes to court. There is not "timeline" when you will be contacted as it depends when the officer decides to submit his report to Crown (if he does). If I were you, I would call the Officer. Call the non emergency line and refer to either the officer's name, date, and time of the occurrence, or with the file number (if you have one). That is your best bet.

That's a good plan of action. I'll contact them when I get a chance. Thank you very much for the replies!
Posted via RS Mobile

Good job reporting the drunk driver. May of saved a life/lives.

If you are asked to provide a detailed formal statement then you will be called as a witness if the case goes to trial. If not, then it is unlikely that you will hear anymore about this. Kudos for calling in the impaired.

If you're called as a witness, do your civic duty and go. Don't be a pussy

Thanks for reporting him, but you have to follow through

Agreed, if everyone was fearful and didn't act on what's just in life, we would have chaos.

snitches get stitches