RCMP impaired driving event educates drivers

On the evening of Thursday, Aug. 13, motorists passing through Daysland on Highway 13 encountered a massive checkstop that handed out some positivity.

The impaired driving event involved drivers being stopped and given an assortment of free merchandise, including can “koozies,” beach balls, and goodie bags, in order to promote awareness about drunk and drugged driving.

The Killam RCMP, Wetaskiwin Integrated Traffic Unit, Flagstaff County Community Peace Officers, Flagstaff County Emergency Services, EMS, FIRST, Alberta Transportation Office of Traffic Safety Regional Traffic Safety Consultants, FFCS, and Flagstaff Victim Services all partnered for the initiative, working in conjunction with the Flagstaff Risk Youth Network.

The event stressed the importance of safety on Alberta roads.

Drivers were given some information on the legal limits for blood alcohol levels, as well as what qualifies as distracted driving.

Refusing to provide a breath sample results in a criminal charge and an immediate suspension, just as is the case when a blood alcohol level is over the legal limit.

Refusing to comply with a demand for physical sobriety tests or to provide bodily fluid samples if driving while impaired by drugs is also a criminal offence.

The impaired driving event sought to remind drivers that their choices affect themselves, as well as everyone else on the road, and impaired driving is an easily avoidable, yet very serious, decision.

Drivers can be charged with impaired driving even if their blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, if police determine that their driving has been affected.

The consequences of impaired driving become more severe with each subsequent charge.

A first-time charge results in an immediate license suspension, which remains in place until the charge is resolved, as well as a three day vehicle seizure.