Strathcona County, Alta. – With the holiday season in full swing, the Strathcona County RCMP want to remind motorists to drive sober. Although impaired driving is an important safety focus year round, the RCMP typically sees an increase in impaired driving this time of year as people celebrate the holiday season.
As part of impaired-driving-awareness month, the Strathcona County RCMP in collaboration with our County enforcement partners will be conducting various check stops though Strathcona County during the month of December.
The Strathcona County RCMP asks motorists to remember:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time.
- Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous.
- Mandatory Alcohol Screening is used by Alberta RCMP to deter and detect impaired drivers. If you are pulled over or at a check stop, be prepared to provide a breath sample.
- Individuals with a Graduated Driver’s Licence must abide by the zero-tolerance law (Government of Alberta, 2021).
- Impaired driving is always preventable and can always be avoided. Call a taxi or rideshare service, use a designated driver, or stay the night.
- Call 911 if you witness or suspect impaired driving.
"Checkstops serve as a visible reminder to the public that it is never okay to drive impaired and to help ensure everyone gets home safely. The RCMP will be focusing on identifying and removing impaired drivers from our roads throughout the holidays," said Cst. Chantelle Kelly, Strathcona County RCMP. "Please take time to plan for a sober ride to and from your destinations this holiday season. When we all take steps to prevent impaired driving, we have the ability to save lives and ensure a happier holiday season for everyone involved."