St. Albert police are reminding drivers to plan ahead this holiday season after they had to pull over four impaired drivers in one night.
The St. Albert RCMP, St. Albert bylaw, and the Alberta Sheriffs-Highway Patrol ran several check-stops in St. Albert late on Dec. 8 to screen drivers for impairment.
In Alberta, anyone suspected of driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or physical or mental conditions can have their driver’s license suspended for 24 hours. Having blood-alcohol levels over certain thresholds can lead to longer suspensions, fines, vehicle seizures, and other court-imposed penalties.
Police examined some 250 drivers and pulled four impaired ones from the road, Cst. MJ Burroughs said.
“I think four is too many,” she said, given the widespread availability of ride-share services and impaired driving education.
Burroughs said drugs and alcohol affect everyone differently depending on their circumstances, and you can’t reliably tell if any one drink will hinder your ability to drive.
“If you’re planning to be participating in alcohol or cannabis consumption, you need to make alternative means of transportation to get home safely,” she said, such as taking a bus, calling a cab or ride-share, or having a designated driver.
Police also arrested one person for driving with a suspended license and another for outstanding warrants, Burroughs said. Officers issued many tickets for offences such as burnt-out taillights and having cannabis and alcohol within reach of vehicle occupants.
Burroughs said drivers should expect to see more checkstops on the roads during this holiday season. To get through them without fuss, don’t drive impaired, keep your vehicle maintained, have your license and insurance ready, and wear your seat belt.
