With it being the season of getting together with friends and family to celebrate Christmas, the Alberta RCMP is reminding Airdronians of the dangers of impaired driving this holiday season.

On Saturday, December 3, in support of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, officers were out conducting traffic enforcement initiatives and check stops. The RCMP removed 77 impaired drivers from Alberta roads.

According to the RCMP, motorists should remember the following before getting behind the wheel:

  • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time.
  • Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous.
  • Mandatory Alcohol Screening is used by Alberta RCMP to deter and detect impaired drivers. If you are pulled over or at a check stop, you can expect to provide a breath sample.
  • Individuals with a Graduated Driver’s Licence must abide by the zero-tolerance law.
  • Impaired driving is always preventable. Plan ahead to have a safe ride home. Call a taxi or rideshare service, use a designated driver, or stay the night.
  • Call 911 if you witness or suspect impaired driving.

It is important to realize that under mandatory alcohol screening, police officers may request a preliminary breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver in order to conduct an alcohol test without having any grounds for suspicion.

In 2021, Alberta RCMP removed 6,787 impaired drivers from Alberta roadways, which averages more than 18 impaired drivers per day.

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