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By Connor Gunn

LPS Christmas check stop opening weekend screens for impaired drivers

Dec 6, 2021 | 11:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – In the opening weekend of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) Christmas Check Stop Campaign, many drivers were screened to see if they were impaired.

Through the campaign, police will start randomly checking cars this weekend for impaired drivers.

With the assistance of Alberta Sheriffs and Coaldale RCMP, Lethbridge Police conducted mandatory alcohol screening on more than 825 drivers at various locations across the city on December 4/5, 2021.

Police say the check stop resulted in four Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) fails, four IRS for zero tolerance for those with a Graduated Driver Licence, and one IRS 24-hour suspension.

There were also 13 Traffic Safety Act tickets written for various infractions including seven involving alcohol or cannabis, and one firearm seized for safekeeping, with no criminal charge.

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The primary goal of the Check Stop program is to locate and apprehend impaired drivers due to the significant risk to public safety they pose.

Those stopped will also be checked for valid documentation including driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, insurance as well as equipment, liquor, and other violations.

Police say if you observe a suspected impaired driver, and it’s safe and lawful to do so, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you are going to drink, make arrangements for a safe ride home.