STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
By Shane Clausing
Canada Day enforcement

RCMP officers to be out in full force for Canada Day

Jun 30, 2021 | 2:11 PM

With Canada Day almost here, many Albertans are eager for the lifting of restrictions and getting back to gathering with family and friends.

While Canada Day is a time to celebrate and enjoy the warm weather, Sgt. Darrin Turnbull with the Alberta RCMP is reminding Albertans that officers will be out this week, enforcing the rules and keeping the roads safe.

“Alberta RCMP will be out in full force starting tonight (June 30),” said Turnbull.

“We’ll be doing things like targeted and strategic patrols in destination-type areas where people are driving to go camping or spend time with friends and family. We will also be setting up checkstops at these locations and making sure drivers are sober.”

Turnbull adds RCMP detachments across the province will especially be keeping a close eye on impaired drivers.

In July 2020, the RCMP removed 310 impaired drivers from Alberta roadways. Sadly, eight of those incidents resulted in bodily harm.

With thatTurnbull says if you are planning on drinking and driving, you will be caught.

“In Canada, the driver of the motor vehicle can be subject to mandatory alcohol screening. Mandatory alcohol screening is a program where everybody (has) to provide a breath sample.”

“So, everybody coming through the checkstop or everybody who gets pulled over for a traffic offence and is lawfully stopped can be requested and required to provide that breath sample,” explained Turnbull. “If you’ve been drinking and driving, we will catch you.”

Albertans can do their part to prevent impaired driving by practicing the following safety tips this Canada Day and all summer long:

  • Never get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle when impaired.
  • Arrange a sober ride to and from your destinations if you are planning on consuming drugs or alcohol.
  • Do not operate off-highway or recreational vehicles while impaired. It is illegal and dangerous.
  • Stand up against impaired driving and encourage others to practice smart driving behaviours.

Turnbull added they’ll also be looking out for other traffic violations as well.

“We really want to remind motorists that you want to be paying attention and not (be) distracted when you’re driving. You want to be wearing your seatbelts (as well).”

More traffic safety information can be found by visiting the RCMP social media accounts.

by Shane Clausing