Law Enforcement Stepping up Efforts over August long weekend
This August long weekend, RCMP and Sheriff integrated traffic units, along with other law enforcement partners will be cracking down on impaired drivers. Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics show alcohol-related collisions, injuries, and fatalities increase on long weekends.
In addition to roving patrols, officers will also set up enhanced Check Stops as part of our ongoing effort to save lives and reduce injuries on Alberta's roads.
"Impaired driving leads to devastating consequences for everyone. Families, the legal and health care systems, insurance companies and the general public all pay the price for impaired drivers," said Inspector James Stiles, Officer in Charge of "K" Division Traffic Services.
"Motorists who choose to drink or use drugs and drive face not only killing themselves, their friends or someone else, but also very serious legal, financial, and social consequences."
August is impaired driving awareness month on the Traffic Safety Plan Calendar, and enforcement officers are offering some important safety tips.
* You do not have to be legally drunk to be charged with impaired driving.
* Plan ahead for safe transportation. There are alternatives to impaired driving.
* If you encounter a suspected impaired driver, record the vehicle license plate number, pull over and dial 911 anywhere in the province.
"Make the right choice for everyone; don't drive if you have been drinking or using drugs," said Inspector Rick Gardner, A/Deputy Chief of Alberta Traffic Sheriffs. "Every year, more than 110 people are killed and 1,900 injured in collisions involving alcohol. Don't become a statistic this long weekend."
Motorists are reminded that in addition to impaired driving, enforcement officers will also be on the lookout for other dangerous driving behaviors including speeding, not wearing seatbelts or using car seats, and proceeding unsafely through intersections.
By increasing public education efforts, RCMP Traffic Services and Alberta Traffic Sheriffs, most working in integrated traffic units, aim to make Alberta's roadways safer for everyone.
