If you think you've seen an increased number of checkstops this summer, you are correct.

Cst. Dan Martin with the Airdrie RCMP said members of the detachment have been working enhanced shifts and setting up checkstops every weekend since early July. The checkstops have been running Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, starting as early as 7:00pm and going late into the night.

"Those checkstops have resulted in very few charges, some tickets and whatnot, but it's quite positive news considering there have not been a whole lot of impaired drivers on the road this summer."

Martin did not have statistics available when we spoke with him. He said a number of factors could be contributing to a low number of charges.

"I honestly believe people are just becoming a little bit more educated with regards to the charges for drinking and driving."

 Martin also credited zero tolerance impaired laws and the availability of taxis, shuttles and rideshare services like Uber for the reduced number of impaired charges this summer.

The frequent checkstops are being run on a trial basis. Martin was not sure if they would continue into September.

 

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