It's not unusual for traffic units to issue over 2,000 tickets over long weekends in Alberta, including the Cochrane area.

But there's deep concern for the number of motorists who were pulled off Alberta highways for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"The part that's concerning to us is the fact that 86 drivers over the long weekend were found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, resulting in them receiving driving suspensions and vehicle seizures," says Sgt. Turnbull. "That's 86 people who took the risk of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol where collisions could have happened."

While the final number isn't available at this time, sadly, there were multiple collision fatalities over a weekend set aside to give thanks.

"Those haven't been fully tallied up yet, but there were several fatality motor vehicle collisions over the weekend. Several families don't have loved ones coming home."

Of the tickets issued, 902 were for speeding. One motorist was clocked travelling 185 km/h and another 12 were in excess of 50 km/h over the posted speed limit.

A total of 55 tickets were issued for distracted driving, 40 for seatbelt infractions, and 15 for liquor offences.

On Thanksgiving weekend, the Alberta RCMP along, with police forces across the country, participated in the annual Operation Impact, an annual initiative organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police focused on encouraging safety on Canadian Roads.

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