Local RCMP officers were out in force over the new year period, watching for impaired drivers, but most parties seemed to be planning ahead.
The RCMP stopped more than 1,000 vehicles at seven Checkstops between Dec. 29 and Jan. 1, but arrested only one impaired driver and handed out seven 24-hour suspensions.
Officers hand out 24-hour suspensions when they believe a driver is impaired, but the blood alcohol limit does not rise above .08, which is the level for criminal charges.
Two of those suspensions came over New Year’s Eve, but St. Albert RCMP Const. Janice Schoepp said generally it was a quiet holiday.
She said the detachment is hopeful it is a sign that the message about impaired driving is getting through to the public.
“We would like to believe that people are being responsible when it comes to impaired driving.”
However, she said it is also possible that people are being alerted to Checkstop locations through text messages and are managing to avoid the stops.
She also said it is possible people are more aware of Checkstops around the holiday and plan accordingly.
“If that helps remind people to be more careful than it is a positive thing.”
Between the Christmas and New Year’s period in 2010 the detachment recorded three impaired driving charges.
New legislation passed in December is set to increase sanctions on people arrested for impaired driving, as well as extend suspensions for people caught with lower blood alcohol limits.
While the legislation has passed, the new provision won’t come into force until later this year.
