The holidays are here and, for many of us, this is a special time to relax and celebrate with loved ones. The Alberta RCMP encourages Albertans to enjoy the season to the fullest while keeping in mind additional safety risks associated with the holidays, particularly when it comes to impaired driving.

On Dec. 1, 2018, Alberta RCMP participated, along with Alberta Sheriffs, in National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, a Canada-wide initiative that brings together RCMP officers and Alberta Sheriffs on patrol to remove impaired drivers from the road. RCMP Corporal Ronald Bumbry has the stats from the day.

"A total of 11,895 vehicles were checked. On this day alone, we laid 23 charges for impaired operation by alcohol and two charges for impaired operation by drug.

For 2018, from  January 1st to November 30th, Bumbry says the Alberta RCMP laid 3,018 charges for impaired operation by alcohol and 135 charges for impaired operation by a drug. Both figures have decreased from 3,315 and 148 charges over the same period in 2017. 

Bumbry says that even though the numbers are down slightly from the previous year, the Alberta RCMP want them to be eliminated.  "We can't allow these numbers to continue to exist," exclaims Bumbry.  

RCMP say you should call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is driving impaired. Possible signs of an impaired driver include: weaving from one side of lane to the other; taking extremely wide turns; driving at inconsistent speeds, without headlights, or with windows open in cold or harsh weather; failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on; approaching or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly.

During the Christmas holidays, Alberta RCMP are encouraging you to practice the following safety and prevention tips.  They say you can use them to start conversations with friends and family so you can all stay safe while celebrating:

  • ·Lock it up! This means locking vehicles, doors to your homes, sheds, garages and sliding glass doors.
  • ·Remove keys, cash, and valuables from your vehicles. Never leave them idling when unoccupied.
  • ·Park in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic.
  • ·Maximize visibility by keeping your exterior well-lit and your hedges trimmed.
  • ·Keep a home inventory list through property marking, recording serial numbers or taking photos.
  • ·Keep vacation plans off social media. Make arrangements for mail pick-up. An overflowing mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home and thieves may be tempted to check that mailbox.
  • ·Get involved with your local citizen-led crime prevention association. Join a crime prevention community group such as Citizens on Patrol or Rural Crime Watch.

Bumbry says throughout the holidays the Alberta RCMP will be conducting Check Stops in an effort to keep impaired drivers off the road.  "Again, we'll be focusing on identifying and removing impaired drivers from the roads.  Please take the time to plan for a sober ride home and to and from your destinations this holiday season."

The Alberta RCMP will continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make the right driving decisions. You can follow their #TrafficSafety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.

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