RCMP across Alberta kicked off December with a checkstop blitz Saturday night. Several were done throughout Grande Prairie, resulting in four 72-hour suspensions.
Six 24-hour suspensions were also handed out, along with 26 violation tickets and four tickets for open liquor. Police started two impaired driver investigations, and charged one person under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
This month marks Impaired Driving Month in Alberta, during which mounties Canada-wide focus on patrols to take alcohol or drug-impaired drivers off the road. District Commander of the Capital Region Integrated Traffic Unit Don Murray says drivers suspected of being impaired will be given road-side sobriety tests that could results in immediate licence suspensions or even criminal charges.
“The holiday season is right around the corner, so it’s important that we get out on the roads early this December to remind motorists of the dangers that come with alcohol or drug impaired driving.”
RCMP encourage residents to arrange for a taxi or designated driver if they are drinking, and to make sure all drivers are sober. If you think someone on the road may be impaired, call 9-1-1. Impaired driving is a leading cause of death and injury on Alberta roads.