Christmas Check Stops concluded with a total of 16 impaired drivers removed from the road

MEDIA UPDATE:

The Lethbridge Police Service annual Christmas Check Stop campaign concluded with a total of 16 impaired drivers removed from the road over the course of the month-long enforcement initiative.

While the goal of the Check Stop Campaign is to locate and apprehend 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.

Approximately 1,250 vehicles were checked, and in addition to the 16 immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails, police issued seven IRS Cautions for drivers with a blood alcohol content of .05 or greater, one IRS Novice for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, one refusal to provide a breath sample, two 24-hour suspensions, 83 violation tickets and executed two warrants.

In 2022, a total of seven impaired drivers were apprehended during the Christmas Check Stop campaign and there were 12 in 2021.

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 encountered on the roads who were sober and ensured they were driving responsibly.