With the holiday season drawing near, RCMP are reminding motorists that officers will be conducting its annual festive season Checkstop campaign on Manitoba roads and highways throughout the month of December.
“If enjoying your holiday season involves consuming drugs or alcohol, then we strongly encourage you to plan ahead so you have a safe ride home,” said Insp. Robert Wuskynyk, head of Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services. “You can avoid a criminal charge and save lives by arranging for a designated driver or calling a cab, rideshare or Operation Red Nose to get you home.”
As part of the Checkstop campaign, motorists should expect to see an increased police presence on roads and highways starting this weekend and continuing throughout the month. RCMP Traffic Services will complete mandatory screenings for alcohol and drugs when they stop a vehicle. Officers also use screening devices to identify the presence of alcohol and drugs.
People arrested for impaired driving in Manitoba face a range of consequences, including criminal charges, large fines, having their licence suspended and their vehicle impounded. There are also emotional consequences if their actions resulted in injury or worse to another person.
There were 21 fatal collisions in RCMP jurisdiction last year where drug or alcohol impairment were suspected as a contributing factor. There were 43 collisions last year that resulted in serious injuries where impairment is either confirmed or suspected to be a factor.
These deaths and injuries were preventable. Don’t get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Make the right decision that may save your life and the lives of others.
