Medicine Hat Police will be conducting several publicly announced and unannounced roadside checkstops this month. - HANDOUT PHOTO
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To help ensure the streets stay safe this Christmas season members of the Medicine Hat Police Traffic Unit will be increasing check stops throughout December.
Police say motorists can expect to see an increased officer presence this month and have plans to announce check stops publicly that are scheduled to run between Dec. 13-21.
Officers say they will also conduct a number of unannounced check stops which may occur at any time over the coming weeks.
Motorists who are stopped will be required to provide a breath sample under the Mandatory Alcohol Screening provision which allows police to demand a breath sample from any driver regardless of suspicion of impairment.
Drivers who pass the screening process will be able to continue on their way with minimal delay as screening is quick and provides immediate results.
“The goal is to keep disruptions to a minimum while ensuring everyone’s safety,” reads a press release. “Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is preventable.”
This year traffic officers have charged approximately 145 drivers under the Immediate Roadside Sanction program which includes license suspensions, fines and vehicle seizures and do not fall under criminal charges.
Police urge members of the public to make plans for a safe ride home before attending holiday gatherings by using a designated driver, taxi, rideshare or transit and ask anyone who suspect someone is driving under the influence to call 911 immediately.
