December is Impaired Driving Month in the Peace Country, and throughout Alberta.
Mounties right across the area will be conducting routine traffic stops in order to keep an eye out for impaired drivers, whether or not they’re drunk, or high on drugs.
“We will be holding our annual Candy Cane Check-Stops throughout this month,” Peace Regional RCMP Constable Jessica Roy told the Trending 55 Newsroom. “We’ll be reminding people that it is very dangerous to drink and drive, and to stay sober this holiday season.”
Roy says it especially goes, now that some companies will be holding some of their Christmas Staff Parties throughout the area.
She adds that they stop motorists frequently for driving while impaired.
“It is something that we see on a regular basis,” Roy continued. “It happens here just like it happens everywhere else in the province. So our officers here will be on the road, making sure that everyone driving on it is safe.”
RCMP also reminds people that impairment by drugs or alcohol results in a shorter attention span, an altered perception of time, as well as distance and slower reaction times.
Drivers even suspected of being impaired will be subjected to road-side sobriety tests. Those who test positive may have their driver’s licence immediately suspended, and in some cases, may even face criminal charges.
“Impaired driving is a leading cause of death and injury on Alberta roads,” Alberta Sheriffs Superintendent Rick Gardner said in a press release. “But we can’t tackle this issue alone. Everyone has a part to play, and that starts with planning ahead to have a designated driver or a safe ride when heading out to celebrate the holidays.”
– Posted by BET
