By rdnewsNOW staff

Lacombe Police targeting impaired drivers

Dec 13, 2018 | 1:53 PM

Impaired drivers will be the target of Lacombe Police this holiday season.

Police officials say officers will be conducting roadside checkstops at various locations throughout the city over the next several weeks in hopes of getting any drunk drivers off the road.

“We recognize that this is a special time of year when people get together with friends and family to celebrate the season,” says Police Chief Lorne Blumhagen in a news release. “We understand that citizens are going to get out and celebrate, however we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly by not driving after consuming alcohol or cannabis.”

“We would also like to encourage party-goers to plan ahead and make alternate transportation plans,” he exclaims. “Do not risk losing your license, your job or worse, your life or the lives of any others on the road.”

Under new federal impaired driving legislation coming into effective December 18, officers who have an approved screening device on hand can request a breath test from ANY driver they lawfully stop, even if the officer does not suspect the driver has alcohol in his or her body. 

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Sober or not, Lacombe Police say a driver who refuses to provide a breath sample would be charged with refusal to provide a sample, which carries the same criminal penalties and provincial sanctions as an impaired driving charge.

In Alberta, for a first impaired or refusal conviction, the minimum punishment is a fine of $1000 along with a one year driving prohibition. Subsequent offences will result in imprisonment. 

Along with roadside check stops, police are also encouraging the public to report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1 from a hands-free device to help keep the roads safe.

(With files from Lacombe Police Service)