Mandatory alcohol screening in Red Deer nets 11 criminal charges

Red Deer RCMP says the use of mandatory alcohol screening has led to arrests and charges against 11 allegedly impaired drivers since Dec. 18.

City Mounties released statistics on Thursday for alcohol-related offences that were detected using mandatory alcohol screening.

Officers are authorized through mandatory alcohol screening to demand a breath sample from any driver who is lawfully pulled over, even if they are showing no signs of alcohol impairment.

In addition to the 11 charges, there has been one Alberta Zero Alcohol and Drug Tolerance suspension (30-day licence suspension and seven-day vehicle seizure) and six Immediate Roadside Sanctions (72-hour licence suspension and vehicle seizure).