A drop in the number of impaired driving charges and a rise in the number vehicles that went through CheckStops in the region translates into a very successful holiday campaign for local police.
Close to 4,000 vehicles were stopped during about 14 CheckStops in the Athabasca, Boyle, Grassland areas last month held by the Athabasca/Boyle Integrated Traffic Unit as well as by both Athabasca and Boyle RCMP detachments.
According to ITU Sgt. Sonny Kim, the public in the area seem to be getting the message about finding a safe ride home.
Only four impaired drivers being charged have been laid as a result of the campaign, while six 24-hour and one 30-day driving suspensions were dished out by officers. There were also no fatal or injury collisions due to alcohol during the month
“That to me, means it was very successful for us and that the message is getting through,” said Kim.
Unfortunately for others, the message regarding seatbelts and various traffic violations isn’t making as big a mark. During the CheckStops, police handed out at least 10 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt and towed five vehicles for not having insurance.
In addition, officers laid criminal charges for drug possession, arrested two people with warrants and handed out several tickets for no registration, no driver’s licence and close to 150 tickets for a variety of other offences include open liquor in vehicles.
Kim added the CheckStops will continue to be held at various times throughout January.
