Impaired drivers taken off road

By Lethbridge Herald on December 27, 2024.

Toyin Obatusin
Local Journalism Initiative

The Lethbridge Police Service have celebrated their third week of its Annual Check Stop campaign with more 450 drivers checked and three impaired drivers removed from the road.

Three drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.05 and one GDL driver were given Immediate Roadside Sanction Cautions; while the GDL driver received an IRS Novice Suspension. 38 violations tickets and two arrest warrants were executed.

The provincial IRS program states that if a driver be impaired by drugs or alcohol, failing an IRS would result in a 15 month long suspension (with an allowance of an ignition interlock device after three months), 30-day vehicle seizure, $1,000 fine and required completion of the Planning Ahead course. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or over will result in IRS caution, which gives an immediate three-day license suspension and vehicle seizure with a $300 fine. If a recurring offence, penalties increase. 

GDL  drivers have a zero tolerance, immediate 30-day license suspension, seven-day vehicle seizure and $200 fine.

LPS thanks volunteers from MADD Lethbridge and surrounding areas for their support and appearances at local Check Stops.

The Check Stop program will continue into the new year with a consistent goal of apprehending impaired drivers.

Recommendations to plan ahead and have a contingency plan for a safe ride home.

Please dial 911 immediately if observations of impaired driving are made. LPS requests for Check Stops not being shared on any social media to alert drivers to avoid these stops and which may result in putting all road users at risk.