Red Deer, Alta. – Red Deer RCMP Traffic Services along with Red Deer City Community Peace Officers (CPO’s) continued conducting Check Stops in various parts of the city as part of the impaired driving campaign.
On Dec. 19, RCMP and CPO officers removed 3 impaired drivers from our city streets during check stops along 19th street and 47th street in Red Deer. Officers observed less vehicles on the road as compared to the previous holiday weekend.
50 drivers were checked, and further violation tickets were issued to drivers that were driving without registration or insurance.
Red Deer RCMP would like to remind drivers and owners to check their vehicle documentation: drivers license, registration, and insurance. Driving without the required credentials puts everyone at risk and is a preventable traffic violation.
Impaired driving check stops will continue throughout the holiday season. If you suspect or witness an impaired driver, call 911 immediately.
Let’s get everyone home safely.
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Red Deer RCMP launch holiday season impaired driving campaign - update 1
Red Deer, Alta. – Red Deer RCMP Traffic Services along with Red Deer City Community Peace Officers (CPO’s) conducted five Check Stops in various parts of the city as part of the impaired driving campaign.
Between December 11 and 12, officers checked 260 drivers for impaired driving by way of drugs or alcohol.
Multiple vehicles attempt to avoid the check stops, which created unsafe and dangerous situations for other drivers and emergency personnel. One driver was unable to maintain control and popped a tire on a curb while trying to avoid the check stop. The driver was issued their second impaired driving suspension and a summons for a third offence of no insurance.
A Class 5- GDL driver collided into a parked CPO vehicle causing minor damage with no injuries during the Dec 12th Check Stop. The driver was issued a zero tolerance 30-day suspension and a violation ticket for careless driving.
Four violation tickets were issued to Class 7 drivers for driving without supervision, as well as violation tickets for unregistered vehicles and making a u-turn at an intersection.
RCMP would like to remind drivers that it is never safe to conduct a u-turn in a controlled intersection or attempt to steer around emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
Check Stops will continue this holiday season. The Red Deer RCMP want to remind drivers to plan ahead and secure a safe, sober ride to ensure everyone gets home safely.
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Red Deer RCMP launch holiday season impaired driving campaign
The month of December is upon us, which means the season of holiday gatherings and celebrations has begun. Red Deer RCMP will conduct several check stops and traffic initiatives throughout the month and want to remind drivers of important safety tips.
For the duration of December, Red Deer RCMP Traffic Unit will be working in partnership with City of Red Deer Community Peace Officers (CPO’s) to keep the roads safe this holiday season, through joint check-stops at various locations throughout the city. RCMP will be conducting Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS), which became law in Alberta in Dec. 2018. MAS means police officers can demand a breath sample from any driver that has been lawfully stopped, even if alcohol impairment is not suspected. If this screening determines the driver is impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, criminal charges can be laid and the drivers licence suspended. It is also a criminal offence if drivers refuse to take any of the MAS tests.
These initiatives aim to reduce impaired driving by encouraging motorists to find alternative rides or to plan ahead to have a designated sober driver, as well as removing impaired drivers from the roads. Red Deer RCMP asks the public to follow these important safety reminders:
- If you are pulled over or at a check stop, you can expect to provide a breath sample as part of Mandatory Alcohol Screening
- Impaired driving is always preventable - call a taxi or rideshare service, use a designated driver or stay the night.
- Party hosts are still accountable. If your guests have been drinking or using drugs, ensure they have a safe place to stay or a sober ride home.
- Individuals with a Graduated Driver’s Licence must abide by the zero-tolerance law.
- Call 911 immediately if you witness or suspect impaired driving.
Driving while impaired due to drugs or alcohol is never okay. Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous. Red Deer RCMP wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season safely.
