Alberta RCMP carried out enhanced traffic enforcement targeting impaired drivers between May 17 to 20. As part of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day on Saturday, May 18, police efforts over the Victoria Day long weekend focused on removing drivers impaired by drugs and alcohol from Alberta’s provincial roads and highways.

Police removed a total of 173 impaired drivers from the roads, with 42 of these incidents taking place during National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day across 36 organized check stops.

“While we promote safe driving behaviours all year round, we want to enhance this messaging and our enforcement efforts during holidays or long weekends when more people are out on our roadways,” said Sgt. Vinnie Hetu, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Impaired driving is a danger to yourself and others. Always plan a safe, sober ride accordingly.”

The penalties for impaired driving include a 90-day license suspension, a mandatory one-year ignition interlock period, a 30-day vehicle impoundment, a $1,000 fine, and a criminal record.