Throughout the month of December — and espeicially around the times of Christmas conerts at schools in the region — Lac La Biche’s Peace Officers, RCMP, EMS, and the Fire Department, have been running Candy Cane Checkstops - dishing out driver information pamphlets ... and candy canes.
At a Candy Cane Checkstop, motorists are handed a candy cane with a cheerful Christmas message and a handout that warns of the dangers of drinking and driving. Lac La Biche County's municipal peace officer superintendent Chris Clark says the Candy Cane Checkstops started eight years ago and he still sees them as more vital than ever.
“We want to remind people that when they are out, to make sure they are following the laws. If they are drinking, they need to be making sure that they plan ahead, have a designated driver, or have a sober ride home. It’s important because we want everyone to be safe on the roads this holiday season,” he told the POST on Thursday.
Statistic awareness
Between 2008 and 2013, there were a reported 471 people killed and 7,397 injured due to alcohol-related collisions on Alberta roads. The Candy Cane Checkstops are a way to help drivers think twice about heading onto the road while intoxicated, says Clark.
Information given out in the Candy Cane Checkstops reads:
The Penalties for Exceeding Limits:
.08 - Criminal Charges will apply. Immediate extended licence suspension and vehicle seizure. Mandatory ignition interlock program if convicted.
.05 - Immediate 3-day suspension and 3-day vehicle seizure for first offence. Penalties increase for repeat offences.
.00 GDL (NEW DRIVERS) NO ALCOHOL - Immediate 30-day licence suspension and 7-day vehicle seizure.
Important Things To Know:
Class 7 or learner drivers can only drive with a valid, unrestricted Class 5 passenger who is not impaired.
Class 5 GDL drivers can’t be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol while driving.
You can be charged with impaired driving while operating any type of motorized vehicle, including quads and boats.
Alcohol and drugs affect your judgement, perception, reaction times and more.
To report impaired drivers, call 911.
Clark also has another message to the public, one that lets the people know to respect our emergency crews who will be out on area roads doing their jobs.
“Since it is the holidays, we tend to be fairly busy. So we want to make sure motorists also know and the public knows that when they are on the roads, and if they see emergency crews, make sure that they slow down and they give us room to work because at the end of the day we are trying to be at home with our families as well.”
