A checkstop program to encourage people not do drink or consume drugs and drive is underway in Olds.
It began Dec. 3, National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, and will likely not end until mid-January, Olds RCMP Cpl. Mike Black says.
“Our focus will be for impaired drivers, whether it's by alcohol or by drugs,” he says.
Black warns the checkstops won't be set up at a consistent time or place during that period.
Generally speaking, reports say men reach a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 after consuming two drinks within an hour. Women reach that level after one drink within an hour.
Following are the penalties if you're found to have been driving after being impaired by alcohol or drugs, according to RCMP and the provincial government:
If you have a Graduated Driver's Licence (GDL), you are not allowed to consume ANY alcohol before driving.
If a roadside test shows you have one milligram (mg) or more of alcohol in your body, you will immediately lose your licence for a month, face a $230 ticket and have the vehicle you are driving seized for a minimum of seven days, regardless of whether you, your parents or someone else is the registered owner.
If a roadside test for impairment is completed while you're behind the wheel and your reading is between 50 mg and 80 mg of alcohol in your body, you will immediately lose your licence and have the vehicle you are driving seized for at least three days.
If you are charged with impaired driving or driving while over .08, you will immediately lose your licence until the court proceeding are completed. That could take many months and you could end up in jail. Also, the vehicle you are driving will be seized for a minimum of three days.
Black says during the holiday season, there's a possibility Olds RCMP will collaborate with Didsbury and Sundre RCMP to set up checkstops on at least one secondary highway in the area.
"Our focus will be for impaired drivers, whether it's by alcohol or by drugs." CPL. MIKE BLACKOLDS RCMP
