By Justin Dionne

Candy Cane Campaign in full swing

Dec 13, 2018 | 3:04 PM

Drivers in the Peace Country are being stopped and given a candy cane, along with some safe driving tips.

The traffic stops are part of Alberta Health Services’ Candy Cane Campaign.

Candy Cane Campaign teams are going to be delivering a variety of traffic safety tips, but will be emphasising the dangers of impaired driving. 

“The Candy Cane Campaign is there to spread some cheer, and get some safety tips out to drivers and passengers in those vehicles that we’ll be pulling over,” says AHS Health Promotions Facilitator Michelle Hodder. “The main thing is, of course, don’t drink and drive. If you are planning to have some alcoholic beverages over the holiday season, just make sure you plan ahead and have a ride to get you home.”

The campaign kicked off in McLennan on December 8, and has since made stops in Rainbow Lake, Manning, Paddle Prairie, Fort Vermilion, La Crete. Today the teams were in High Level and Peace River. Tomorrow, they travel to Nampa, on Saturday they’re in Spirit River, and on Monday they’re in Grande Prairie and Grimshaw. The campaign will wrap up in Beaverlodge on Wednesday.

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Along with safety tips, the campaign teams will be letting drivers know about the new impaired driving laws that are coming into effect on Tuesday. 

“In Alberta, the changes primarily talk to the zero tolerance, of course for cannabis or illegal drugs in the blood stream for GDL drivers, in addition to alcohol. Another part of that new legislation is there will be immediate 90 day license suspension for impaired drivers. That will be followed by participation in a one year ignition interlock program,” says Hodder.

AHS says this year its teams expect to hand out over 10,000 candy canes, and reach more than 5,000 drivers.