SUNDRE — An impaired male motorist nabbed by the local RCMP detachment was just one among dozens caught by police across the province last weekend.
The Alberta RCMP recently conducted a province-wide campaign in conjunction with National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, officers removed 48 impaired drivers from the roads, according to a press release issued by RCMP today (Dec. 8).
The effort was part of a Canada-wide initiative, “and in an effort to promote safe, sober driving, members patrolled the highways targetting motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said police.
Out of the 48 impaired motorists who were stopped, 26 received immediate roadside sanction (IRS) fails, another 10 received IRS warnings, and one refused to provide a roadside sample.
Furthermore, seven drivers holding graduated driver licensing (GDL) licences were issued suspensions and vehicle seizures due to having blood alcohol concentrations greater than zero, police reported, adding that four of these individuals received suspensions for drug impairment.
Among the notable incidents highlighted by police were:
• Sundre RCMP nabbing a 38-year-old male who in addition to immediate provincial sanctions also received criminal code impaired driving charges as he was travelling with a six-year-old boy.
• Airdrie RCMP caught a 28-year-old female who in addition to receiving provincial sanctions was also criminally charged as she was driving impaired with three passengers aged five and younger.
• Canmore RCMP stopped a 42-year-old male commercial vehicle driver who was criminally charged as he was travelling with his seven-year-old daughter at the time.
The RCMP said the actions of officers throughout Alberta over the weekend made the province’s highways and city streets safer for everyone on the roads.
