This release was issued under a previous government.
To ensure road safety, officers enforced traffic laws, conducted check stops and off-highway vehicle compliance checks. Many of the traffic-related charges were issued by RCMP and Alberta traffic sheriffs, working together in Integrated Traffic Units. As well as clamping down on drunk drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of above .08, police officers also enforced the new tougher provincial sanctions for drivers with a BAC between .05 and .08. The new sanctions came into force on Saturday, September 1.
Public information activities were also stepped up to encourage responsible use of highways, public lands and parks, and inform Albertans about safe recreation practices and regulations.
From Friday, August 31, to Monday, September 3, RCMP and Alberta traffic sheriffs, working in Integrated Traffic Units, conservation officers, fish and wildlife officers as well as commercial vehicle enforcement officers, issued 5,209 tickets for offences ranging from dangerous driving to speeding. Among the charges were:
54 impaired driving charges for drivers over .08, 81 other alcohol-related violations, and 28 24-hour suspensions. Numbers for .05 to .08 administrative sanctions will be available in a few weeks once the information is accumulated.
- 4,051 speeding violations;
- 36 distracted driving violations;
- 71 intersection-related infractions;
- 59 hazardous violations including dangerous driving;
- 144 seatbelt or child restraint infractions; and
- 685 violations ranging from having no insurance to driving while suspended.
Of those charges, 694 were laid in the Highway 63 corridor, including:
- 1 impaired driving charge for a driver over .08, 11 other alcohol-related violations and eight 24-hour suspensions;
- 565 speeding violations;
- 5 intersection-related infractions;
- 10 hazardous violations including dangerous driving;
- 4 seatbelt or child restraint infractions; and
- 90 violations ranging from having no insurance to driving while suspended.
Commercial vehicle enforcement officers also handed out 24 tickets to unsafe truck drivers for violations such as vehicle defects and overloading.
Every year, more than eight million people visit Alberta’s 477 parks and protected areas. While the great majority of visitors respect the need to use these beautiful areas responsibly, the province’s conservation officers work with law enforcement agencies to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. This long weekend they laid a range of charges for unsafe activities, including:
- 56 parks-related violations such as noise complaints; and
- 40 public safety violations such as unsafe boating and theft.
Many hunting and fishing seasons are in effect during the September long weekend. Fish and wildlife officers patrol throughout Alberta to ensure compliance with legislation, and to respond to public complaints. Fish and wildlife officers laid:
- 84 charges for violations relating to the Fisheries Act such as exceeding fishing limits and fishing without a licence; and
- 12 charges for violations relating to the Wildlife Act, such as hunting without a licence.
With students returning to school, officers are reminding all drivers to take extra caution, especially in school zones. For more information on this click here, and for more details on Alberta’s impaired driving legislation go to www.knowthelimits.ca.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
|
Patrick Mears Donnae Schuhltz |
S/Sgt. Jamie Johnston |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.