‘Tis the season to be merry with friends and family, but also to be responsible drivers.
Calgary police launched the checkstop campaign on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day for the holiday season Saturday, checking for impaired drivers.
The campaign is in partnership with the Alberta Sheriffs, Tsuut’ina Nation Police, RCMP, and CPKC. A similar campaign is also underway in Edmonton.
“The message is simply, don’t drink and drive. We have MADD with us tonight who are unfortunately representing the bereaved families from fatals that have involved drink or drugs,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward.
Authorities say impaired driving was a factor in at least five of the 35 fatal collisions so far this year. They have laid 109 criminal code charges — those include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We can trace cannabis through taking blood and we are finding that these people are trying to avoid the drink and drive side of things and driving impaired through drugs,” Woodward said.
Police are reminding Calgarians who choose to drink or use any drugs not to get behind the wheel.
“I think people generally think that they won’t get caught, so they will take that risk. They think the risk is worth taking,” Woodward explained.
“My advice to you is if you’re going out, get somebody to drive you back from your venue, get a cab or a taxi, or find somewhere to sleep for the night. Don’t take that risk, especially with the road conditions we’ve got as well at the moment.”
Another good option is to take public transit.
Police say people should see an increase in impaired driving checkstops over this month.
Additionally, officers can stop drivers at random and conduct roadside tests — even without suspicion of impairment.
Consequences include criminal charges and loss of their driver’s licence.