The Cochrane/Bow Valley RCMP traffic unit pulled a few motorists off the road during its three checkstops on Dec. 2.

It was part of a provincewide initiative in support of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day that saw over 450 motorists screened in the Cochrane area for impaired driving.

Sgt. Vinnie Hetu, head of the traffic unit, provides a summary of early statistics from the checkstops.

At the Glenbow Dr. checkstop, over 150 people were checked and one caution issue, which upon appeal resulted in a numeric value.

On the Hwy. 567/Lochen Rd. check stop, over 100 motorists were checked by Rocky View County, Alberta RCMP Cochrane / Bow Valley and Airdrie units. No sanctions were issued.

Two IRS Fails were issued by provincial traffic resources at the Hwy. 1A/Gleneagles Dr. checkstop. An IRS Fail can result in a 90-day license suspension along with a $1,200 fine and a 30-day vehicle seizure.

While roaming, an Alberta RCMP Bow Valley intercepted an IRS Fail, which upon appeal resulted in a caution being issued.

Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, of the Alberta RCMP traffic unit, says being sober behind the wheel is a 24/7 responsibility of motorists.

"It's the start of the holiday season, company Christmas parties and family gatherings, so we're out here spreading the word about impaired driving, making sure that people driving here are sober," says Sgt. Turnbull.

Last year, Alberta RCMP responded to 233 fatal collisions, of which approximately 25 per cent involved alcohol or drugs, says Turnbull. A total of 7,573 impaired drivers were removed from Alberta roadways, the equivalent of more than 20 impaired drivers per day.

According to MADD, on average four Canadians are killed every day and 175 are injured in impairment-related crashes.

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