OLDS — If you’re thinking of drinking and driving, Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald, the commanding officer of Olds RCMP, has a warning for you.
It’s now more costly – financially and otherwise – to do so than ever before.
A new immediate roadside sanction program that took effect Dec. 1, 2020 in Alberta means if you’re determined to be driving while impaired, you could face fines up to $2,000 and your vehicle can now be seized for up to 30 days.
The new law also allows for increased driver suspensions, mandatory education programs and ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders.
“The provisions of this new legislation will better assist the RCMP in detecting and apprehending more impaired drivers,” MacDonald wrote in a news release.
“This program also eliminates lengthy court procedures, freeing up members to deal with other criminal activity, detect additional impaired drivers and ensure better safety for our communities.”
In order to keep people safe, during the remainder of the holiday season, Olds RCMP officers will be patrolling streets and highways watching for impaired drivers.
MacDonald said over the past year, Olds RCMP arrested and charged 45 impaired drivers, 27 of whom were in the town of Olds alone.
“It’s evident that some people still don’t understand the dangers and consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” he said.
MacDonald said local residents can also help keep the roads safe.
“If you see a vehicle driving erratically and there is a suspicion the driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, take note of the vehicle description, licence plate number and direction of travel – then call 911 as soon as it’s safe to do so,” he said.
