It was just after 10:08 p.m. when the first Curb the Danger call came into 911. The citizen reported seeing an impaired driver in a black Grand Am driving in the area of 97 Street and 118 Avenue. They indicated she was driving southbound on 97 Street then west on 118 Avenue to 101 Street, where the vehicle allegedly went part way through the traffic circle on the wrong side of the road. The vehicle then drove over a median, struck a curb and damaged a front tire.
Before police were able to intercept the suspect vehicle, five more calls came in about the suspected impaired driver. When police arrived on scene, three of the citizens had maneuvered their vehicles in such a way that the suspect vehicle was boxed in.
The 25-year-old female driver was arrested on scene and charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and refusing to provide a breathe sample.
From May 1 to May 31, 2013 there were 66 impaired charges laid, 15 licence suspensions, and 113 letters issued to registered owners indicating that their driving habits were reported to police as a result of the Curb the Danger program.
Since Jan. 1, 2013 there have been 3,306 calls into Curb the Danger, 337 impaired charges laid, as well as 76 licence suspensions issued.
The EPS provides updated Curb the Danger numbers each month.
Signs that could indicate an impaired driver:
- unreasonably fast or slow speeds or inconsistent speeds;
- frequent lane changes or swerving when passing;
- ignoring traffic signals and signs;
- approaching traffic signals and signs unreasonably fast or slow;
- sitting at stop signs for long periods of time;
- jerky starts and stops;
- driving too close to the curbs and shoulders; hugging the edge of the road or straddling the center line;
- driving at night without lights; or,
- driving with the windows down in cold weather.
If you see a suspected impaired driver:
- Call 911 and report the incident immediately. The Alberta government’s distracted driving legislation provides for an exemption for the use of a handheld device to place an emergency 911 call.
- Take note of the location;
- Report the license plate number as well as the vehicle description; and
- If possible, keep the vehicle in sight, but do not attempt to chase the vehicle or break the law in order to stay close.
If a patrol car is not able to intercept the vehicle, the EPS may send a letter to the registered owner telling them that their vehicle was spotted being operated erratically.