BONNYVILLE - In one day, Bonnyville RCMP members checked nearly 300 vehicles and dedicated 18.5-man hours in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the road during the May long weekend.
The checkstop blitz over the Victoria Day long weekend is recognized as National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day by the RCMP. On Saturday, May 21 RCMP across Canada focused their efforts on enforcing sober driving and removing impaired drivers from behind the wheel.
In total, during that 24-hour period there were three alcohol related driving suspensions handed out by Bonnyville officers.
Throughout the province numerous checkstops were also conducted. In the areas of Bighorn, Kananaskis, Rocky View County, and the Town of Cochrane, RCMP Traffic members conducted six check stops.
Roughly 600 vehicles were screened and 14 impaired drivers were removed from the road.
Additionally, one motorist was found to be driving with a suspended licence, and one alleged domestic violence offender was identified and arrested.
In Rocky Mountain House, officers initiated a stop with a vehicle travelling 75 km/h over the posted speed limit on May 21. The driver failed a mandatory alcohol screening and was found to be driving without a licence, according to an Alberta RCMP media release.
A further investigation showed that the individual was wanted on 14 Criminal Code warrants. The driver was arrested following the checkstop and is waiting to appear in court.
“While the Alberta RCMP aimed to keep roads safe this long weekend, their work didn’t stop when the holiday ended,” continues the RCMP statement.
“With an increase in recent roadway fatalities across the province, police are promoting road safety every day.”
From May 16- 23, there were five motor vehicle collisions resulting in the loss of six lives in Alberta, according to information provided by RCMP.
“Three of these collisions were confirmed to involve impairment,” said RCMP Insp. Chris Romanchych, with Alberta RCMP Traffic Services.
“While we continue to enforce traffic laws and maintain order on our provincial roadways, we remind the public that traffic safety is the responsibility of everyone. We urge road users to practice safe driving behaviors every time they get behind the wheel.”
Bonnyville RCMP to host Regimental Ball
The local detachment has announced that a Regimental Ball will be held to support Bonnyville Victim Services.
“An evening of excellence. Tradition and history,” reads the billet announcing the event.
Tickets for the 2022 Regimental Ball cost $100 per ticket, with a dance and auction to follow. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the Victim Services Unit in Bonnyville.
The event will take place on Sept. 17, beginning at 5 p.m.
Anyone can purchase tickets by calling Bonnyville Victim Services at 780-343-7255.
