EPS Impaired Driving Unit busy protecting the community

In total, the Impaired Driving Unit conducted 35 Checkstops at various locations across Edmonton in 2019.

“Numbers fluctuate from year to year, although we did see an increase in many areas in 2019 including impaired arrests, provincial license suspensions and number of Approved Screening device tests” says Sgt. Rob Davis, of the EPS Impaired Driving Unit. “These were undertaken following the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening to the EPS Checkstop program in 2019.” Mandatory Alcohol Screening became a tool police officers could use across Canada when the Bill C46 (part 2) came into effect in December 2018.

Mandatory alcohol screening gives police the authority to demand a breath sample from any driver lawfully pulled over. It greatly increases the number of drivers screened for impairment, resulting in more impaired drivers being detected.

“It’s our goal to make Edmonton a safer city, and a majority of the citizens we interacted with following the implementation of Mandatory Alcohol Screening were very happy to see us in their communities supporting them this way,” said Sgt. Davis.

“The message to Edmonton drivers, regardless if you’re a first-time driver or have been driving for many years, is the same: If you’re going to drink or use recreational drugs then don’t drive - have a plan to get home safely.”

“The $20 to $40 cab or uber ride home is absolutely worth the spend. If you drive and you get pulled over at a Checkstop line or by one of our roaming police officers, you’re going to be asked to provide a breath sample.”

The total number of roadside suspensions increased by 104 (an over 50% increase) from 2018 to 2019, the direct result of the mandatory screenings.

A breakdown of Checkstop Operation numbers from 2018 to 2019 is included below. If you suspect a driver is impaired, please contact police to Curb the Danger:

• Call 911 if it is safe to do so.  Calling 911 in an emergency, or to report an impaired driver, is permitted while driving under the distracted driving law.

• Report the location, vehicle description, and licence plate number.

• Keep the vehicle in sight, but do not attempt to chase the vehicle or break the law to do so.

For more information on EPS traffic safety and enforcement initiatives, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca.

2019 Checkstop Totals …. 35 operations                           Difference from 2018

+8225 ASD tests reflects Mandatory Alcohol Screening

2018 Checkstop Totals …. 35 operations