Christmas Check Stop campaign sees reduction in impaired drivers

The Lethbridge Police Service concluded it’s annual Christmas Check Stop campaign with four impaired drivers removed from the road during the month-long enforcement project. 

While the goal of the Check Stop Campaign is to locate and apprehend impaired drivers due to the significant risk they pose to public safety, it’s also hoped the highly-visible Check Stops act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise drink and drive.

During the campaign, approximately 1,768 vehicles were stopped. In addition to the four Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails, police issued seven IRS Cautions for drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05-0.079, 103 violation tickets, three criminal charges for failing to stop and executed three warrants.

By comparison, 1,250 vehicles were stopped during the 2024 campaign, and police issued 10 IRS Fails, 10 IRS Cautions, two IRS Novice penalties for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, 123 violation tickets, five criminal charges and executed six warrants.

“More vehicles were checked this year than last, and there was a 60 per cent reduction in the number of impaired drivers apprehended,” said Sgt. Tony Ramotowski of the Traffic Response Unit. “While enforcement and education efforts will continue, these results are encouraging, and we hope to see this trend continue.”

LPS thanks Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP for their assistance during the campaign as well as volunteers with the Lethbridge and Area chapter of MADD. Police would also like to thank the majority of drivers, who were sober and driving responsibly.