WESTLOCK – Alberta RCMP Traffic – Westlock Unit members, who patrol the highways in and around Westlock, Barrhead, Wabasca and Slave Lake, have been busy throughout December conducting several checkstops and have issued eight Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) up to Dec. 21.
RCMP Const. Dalton Rouse, who’s a member of the unit, noted in a recent release that while they recognize “the large number of motorists who have arranged other ways to get home once they have consumed alcohol or cannabis” that among the eight suspensions issued, two were novice drivers and one was operating a commercial vehicle. Rouse notes the IRS program is designed to be progressive in its sanctions and “it is worth noting that after three occurrences, a motorist can still be charged under the Criminal Code for operating a conveyance while impaired by drugs or alcohol.”
“A novice driver who has consumed alcohol can expect to have their licence destroyed, their driving privileges suspended for 30 days and have the vehicle that they were operating impounded for seven days as well as face a fine of $200,” Rouse explained. “A commercial vehicle operator who has consumed can expect to have their licence suspended for three days and be handed a $300 fine.”
Rouse said if you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911 if it is safe to do so, report the location, direction of travel, vehicle description and the licence plate number and if possible, keep the vehicle in sight but do not attempt to chase it, or break the law to do so.
“Alberta RCMP Traffic members are always on the lookout for alcohol and drug impaired drivers. Please, if you drink or use drugs, plan ahead and don’t drive,” he said.
Provincial numbers
On Dec. 3, Alberta RCMP participated in National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day by carrying out traffic safety enforcement initiatives and checkstops across the province and nabbed 77 impaired drivers.
Of the impaired motorists, RCMP say 44 drivers were over the legal limit or refused to provide breath samples and received an IRS-FAIL. Fifteen drivers provided breath samples that were in range to receive an IRS-WARN, while 16 drivers with a graduated licence provided breath samples that contained alcohol and contrary to the zero-tolerance law were issued IRS-NOVICE. As well, two drivers received 24-hour suspensions due to drug impairment or fatigue.
