Over the long weekend, National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day was observed on Saturday, May 21. The Alberta RCMP was patrolling provincial streets and highways, apprehending motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From May 20 till the 23rd, officers removed a total of 165 impaired drivers from the roads.

RCMP Traffic members conducted six check stops in the areas of Bighorn, Kananaskis, Rocky View County, and the town of Cochrane.

"Approximately 600 vehicles were screened with 14 impaired drivers being removed from the road. Additionally, one motorist was found to be driving with a suspended license and one domestic violence offender was identified and arrested," a written press release stated.

Airdrie RCMP stopped one impaired driver over the weekend. 

2,804 traffic safety violation tickets were issued with 1,280 motorists being written up for exceeding the speed limit, 74 for distracted driving, and another 66 for the improper use of vehicle safety restraints.

“From May 16th to the 23rd alone, there were five motor vehicle collisions resulting in the loss of six lives. Three of these collisions were confirmed to involve impairment,” said Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “While we continue to enforce traffic laws and maintain order on our provincial roadways, we remind the public that traffic safety is the responsibility of everyone. We urge road users to practice safe driving behaviours every time they get behind the wheel.”

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