A year after the province introduced tougher drunk driving laws, drivers in West Central Alberta appear to be getting the sober driving message, say area RCMP officials.
Under the law, drivers found with blood alcohol levels greater than 80 mg per cent automatically have their vehicles seized for three days and their licences suspended until their cases are dealt with by the courts.
Sundre RCMP detachment commander Cpl. Ryan Hodge says drivers seem to be getting the message.
“It seems to be a lot more of a deterrent now,” said Hodge. “People are telling us that they don't want to drive under the influence because they don't want their vehicle impounded. A lot of people have learned that pretty quick.
“When we are talking to people at the bars they are getting the picture. It's definitely a tougher stance on impaired driving. It makes everybody think twice about their actions.”
Didsbury RCMP Sgt. Jeff Jacobson echoed Hodge's comments.
“We are definitely seeing fewer impaired drivers that we've come across,” said Jacobson. “As a general trend we have seen fewer impaired year over year. It does seem very positive that the laws are generating those discussions and making people think a little bit more before they choose what they are going to do.
“I know from discussions with people in and around town, I do hear that a lot of people are considering the options to driving when they are out drinking; designated driving seems to be coming up more in conversations.
Provincewide, more than 5,400 vehicles have been seized over the past six months, with about 7,000 drivers suspended, according to recent statistics released by the province.
Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis reportedly said the new law is working as planned.
"This is a made-in-Alberta solution we've developed and the intent was obviously to bring down the number of injuries and fatalities caused by drunk drivers," Denis said.
