Athabasca RCMP detachment commander Sergeant Brian Scott remembers the first major crash he responded to after becoming a police officer; two sixteen-year-old girls had been killed by a drunk driver.
Sadly, he has had to relive that story many times throughout his 31-year policing career in rural Alberta.
“I’ve been to many wrecks, many wrecks where people have been killed or maimed for life, and many where drunks have walked away with no injuries,” he said. “There are no words to describe it.”
On average, one in five drivers in Alberta involved in fatal collisions have been drinking prior to the accident. Between 2003 and 2007, nearly 500 people were killed in such accidents.
Sgt. Scott’s message of the potentially life ending impacts of drinking and driving is particularly pertinent at this time of year, with holiday celebrations right around the corner. More booze-filled parties means more drivers on the road impaired by alcohol.
That is why police officers across the province and country will be out in full force this December, focusing on catching drunk drivers before they have the chance to hurt someone.
“There’s always a push this time of year,” he said. “We don’t want to spoil everybody’s Christmas, we just want to make it safe.”
Throughout the region RCMP officers will pair with Alberta sheriffs to set up check-stops and tackle the spike in impaired drivers.
Those caught under the influence of alcohol while driving can expect consequences like a revoked license, an impounded car, a trip to jail and some potentially hefty legal fees to pay. Even lightly boozed people can have their vehicles taken and driving privileges suspended temporarily, as set out in Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.
If found guilty of the criminal offence for the first time they face a minimum $1,000 fine and one year driving suspension. Subsequent offences will lead to jail time and more extensive driving suspensions.
They will join the approximately 7,700 Albertans convicted of drunk driving in the province every year.
Drinking and driving does not just impact the drinkers and their victims; it also means police are patrolling the streets less, Scott explained.
He estimated that every time a drunk driver is brought in, an officer will have to spend between three and four hours processing that person.
Added to that is the technician who will be called in to administer the breathalyzer test, as well as the countless hours spent preparing documents and testifying in court.
Overall, he said, it’s better to just get a cab or have a designated driver.
He does not see the situation improving either, even after the countless media advertisements showing the risks of impaired driving.
“We’re continually picking up impaired drivers, they don’t just seem to get it,” he said, adding that some criminal lawyers base their careers on defending drinking and driving cases.
“It’s out there, it’s very prevalent and I can honestly say I don’t know what the fix is.”
He encouraged citizens to stay vigilant and be on the watch for erratic drivers. If you observe someone driving that you think is impaired, call your local RCMP detachment.
“We would much rather chase someone down than have an accident and someone get hurt,” he said.
