Five months after the province introduced its new distracted driving law, Sundre RCMP officials say the time of education is over and the time of enforcement has arrived.
Detachment commander Sgt. Percy Leipnitz says officers will be starting to issue tickets under the law in town and district immediately.
“We are going to start laying charges,” said Leipnitz, noting that officers have been issuing warnings up until now. “Now we are going to be doing an enforcement blitz.”
Particular enforcement starting right away will focus on the town's school zone, said Const. Ryan Hodge.
“It's unbelievable how many people are on the phone as they drive through the school zone,” said Hodge. “We want that to stop now. Motorists should expect to see us in the school zone.”
Sgt. Leipnitz added: “Can you imagine what could happen if you're on the phone and a kid runs in front of the vehicle? Kids come to the crosswalks and they expect cars to stop.”
The province's distracted law makes it unlawful to talk on a cellphone (other than hands- free) or to text when operating a motor vehicle, even if it is not in motion. Fines start at $172.
Meanwhile, Sundre RCMP is also renewing a warning about the dangers of ecstasy and other illegal drug use.
At least eight recent deaths in the province have been linked to ecstasy laced with PMMA.
Although Sundre RCMP officers have not come across any PMMA-laced ecstasy, the danger is ever-present, says Cpl. Hodge.
“It's always a concern,” he said. “Absolutely people need to be aware of the dangers, that you could be consuming harmful chemicals that would put your health in harm's way.
“You don't know what you are getting, especially when it comes to ecstasy and methamphetamines. And even marijuana is laced with all sorts of chemicals and pesticides that growers use.”
During the latest town council meeting, Sgt. Leipnitz told councillors that officers plan to continue to target impaired drivers in town and area this spring. The detachment issued 35 impaired driving charges in 2011.
Last week, he reiterated the warning to impaired drivers, calling on any resident or visitor who sees an impaired or suspected impaired driver to call 911 without delay.
“It is a big help to us if people call in,” he said.
Increased police enforcement of the impaired driving laws will hopefully make more drivers think twice about driving drunk, he said.
In other police news, the Sundre RCMP detachment responded to 244 calls for service in January, according to statistics released last week.
During the month, police responded to 35 accidents, 54 speeeding/stop sign calls, three impaired driving calls, and issued two 24-hour suspensions.
Officers also responded to seven persons crimes calls, 26 property calls, and six drug- related calls.
The detachment processed 32 criminal record checks and responded to three calls to locate missing persons.
Const. Val Dennis did a talk to students and helped judge the River Valley science fair.
