It's one test you don't want to fail.

Last weekend New Westminster Police wrapped up its CounterAttack road checks, checking 1,000 vehicles and administered 21 roadside alcohol screening tests. Of those, seven drivers failed the test and face possible motor vehicle licence suspensions.

Police also issued seven 24-hour driving prohibitions for alcohol impairment and one for drug impairment. Five drivers were given warnings.

NWPS held the road checks on McBride Boulevard and along Westminster Highway Saturday evening.

Police continue to find a high rate of drinking and driving in New Westminster.

On average there are 79 alcohol-related vehicle crashes each year in New Westminster. On average, those crashes result in one death and 31 injuries, based on police-reported data from 2003 to 2007.

The long term data also finds men continue to be over-represented in alcohol-related crashes, accounting for 81 per cent of all impaired drivers. Thirty-five per cent of those drivers are between the ages of 16 and 25.

ICBC has a number of tips for drivers to avoid impaired driving. They include:

– Choose a designated driver before going out, keep money aside for a bus or taxi, or call a friend.

– Refuse to ride with drivers who may be impaired. Ask to be let out of the car if necessary.

– Take a stand and don't let people drive if they are or have been drinking alcohol.

– If you see an impaired driver, call 911 and report it to local police.

– Learn how alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, coordination, ability to steer, track moving objects, brake and control speed and lane position.

– Remember that no amount of coffee, cold showers or fresh air will make you sober. The only cure is time. It takes about six hours for your body to eliminate all the alcohol from a blood/alcohol reading of .08 (the legal limit).

mmcquillan@newwestnewsleader.com