The Lethbridge Police Service is teaming up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to make roads safer this holiday season.
Throughout the month and into the new year, the LPS will hold check stops focused on apprehending impaired drivers.
“Impaired drivers pose a significant risk to public safety, and the primary goal of Christmas Check Stops is to remove them from the road,” says Sergeant Tony Ramotowski with the Traffic Response Unit.
As part of the Christmas Check Stop program, officers will also be checking for valid vehicle documentation, including licenses, registration and insurance, as well as equipment and other violations.
Ramotowski notes that motorists with a blood alcohol concentration over .08 could face criminal charges.
If a driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an Immediate Roadside Sanction Fail will be issued. This will result in a 15-month suspension (with the option of getting an ignition interlock device after the first three months), a 30-day vehicle seizure, and a $1,000 fine. Violators will also have to complete the Planning Ahead course.
Penalties will increase with any subsequent offences.
Ramotowski notes that the total financial impact of a first FAIL offence, including towing, vehicle storage, the fine, installation of an interlock device, and enrolling in the educational program, is roughly $4,000 to $5,000.
Meanwhile, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or over will get an IRS Warn, which will result in an immediate three-day license suspension, and their vehicle will be seized. They will also face a $300 fine, and penalties will increase with repeated offences.
Ramotowski says there is zero tolerance for drivers with a Graduated Driving License. Violators will face an immediate 30-day license suspension, have their vehicle seized for seven days, and must pay a $200 fine.
Additionally, officers can issue an immediate 24-hour suspension for drivers suspected of being impaired, whether that be by alcohol, drugs or a physical or medical condition that impacts their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Ramotowski says in Canada, police can request a breath test from any driver who is lawfully stopped. Whether they are sober or not, they can be criminally charged if they refuse to do the test.
“During this holiday celebration, if you are planning to consume alcohol and/or drugs, plan ahead for a safe ride home,” he states, adding that can include calling a taxi or ride-sharing service, using public transit or designating a sober driver.
Ramotowski believes campaigns like this are helping.
“I believe people are getting the message. A lot of people now stay at home when they are consuming [alcohol or drugs],” he notes.
MADD PARTNERSHIP
As part of the Christmas Check Stop initiative, the LPS is working alongside MADD.
President of the MADD Lethbridge and Area Chapter, Anita Huchala says volunteers will be out alongside LPS members, educating the public on the dangers of impaired drivers.
“When drivers see our MADD volunteers working alongside police, it reinforces that impaired driving enforcement is not just a law enforcement issue. It is a community safety and victim prevention issue,” Huchala says, adding the presence of volunteers “humanizes the message”, and may result in drivers being more receptive to officers.
“Many of our MADD volunteers are victims or family members of impaired driving crashes. Their presence reminds the public of the real-world consequences of impaired driving.”
She says at check stops, volunteers will thank drivers who are sober and talk with them about the importance of driving safely.
“I’ve actually been stopped a couple of times and asked by the driver if they could give us a hug to really thank us,” she says. “It’s heartwarming and it’s kind of inspiring that people are aware that there is a need for this and sadly, we live in this world that’s not perfect and people have to make that right choice to stay sober when they get behind the wheel.”
Huchala explains that when an impaired driver is stopped, MADD volunteers are instructed to step away and let the LPS handle the situation.
“You never know how a call may go, so we just step back for our safety, and we move on to another area to help out,” she remarks.
Her simple message to anyone looking to celebrate the holidays and consume substances is, as mentioned by Ramotowski, to plan ahead and ensure there is a safe way home.
2024 CAMPAIGN
During the 2024 Christmas Check Stop program, police checked about 1,250 drivers and issued 10 IRS Fails, taking 10 impaired drivers off local roadways.
In December 2024, police also issued 10 IRS Warns, two IRS Novice penalties for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, 123 violation tickets, five criminal charges, and executed six warrants.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Ramotowski says if you spot a suspected impaired driver, call 911. He adds that it is important for the community to avoid sharing check stop locations on social media, as doing so can help impaired drivers avoid those roads, which puts all users at risk.
