LETHBRIDGE, AB – COVID restrictions last year meant a relatively quiet Christmas Check Stop campaign with Lethbridge Police only laying one impaired driving charge.
Social gatherings were restricted and restaurants and licensed establishments were closed to dine-in service.
This year however, officers are bracing for the possibility of a busy month as health measures have eased and more gatherings will likely be taking place.
Acting Sergeant Brent Paxman says it’s also the second year police will be armed with sanctions to administer stricter penalties roadside.
He says the more streamlined process reduces downtime considerably while police deal with those being charged.
Paxman also notes impaired driving charges in Alberta have increased by 43-percent since December 2020 and expects that trend to continue through check stop season.
While the main goal of the campaign is to get impaired drivers off the road, Lethbridge Police will also be checking for valid documentation as well as equipment, liquor and other violations.
If you see a suspected impaired driver and it’s safe and lawful to do so, you’re asked to call 911 immediately.
With Operation Red Nose sidelined again this year due to COVID-19, be sure to designate a sober driver who will not be drinking any alcohol, call a taxi or ride share service, or use public transportation.