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Law enforcement prepares for Christmas
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The High Prairie and Faust RCMP Detachments, the Lake Shore RCMP Detachment, the Lake Shore Regional Police Service and peace officers for the Town of High Prairie and M.D. of Big Lakes will ensure drunk drivers are apprehended during the holiday. In the front row, left-right, are Const. Dustin Brown, Const. Francis Boucher, Const. John Hardy, Const. Ryan Doucette, High Prairie peace officer Mark Morrical, High Prairie peace officer Alan Bloom, Sgt. Michael Nussbaumer, Const. Derek Tomkins and Const. Dennis Kerr. In the middle row, left-right, are Cpl. Kevin Kunetzki, Const. Tibor Lichter and S/Sgt. Steve Daley. In the back row, from left, are Sgt. Brian Pattyson and M.D. peace officer Cory Bronson.
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Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
As people make their Christmas party and holiday plans, they are reminded law enforcement will be out in force to remove the threat of impaired drivers from public roads.
“They are the ‘chasers’ you will have to deal with if you drink and drive,” says S/Sgt. Steve Daley of the High Prairie RCMP Detachment. “If you plan to have a few drinks, please plan for a ride like a taxi, or have a designated driver.”
Daley also asks the public to call 9-1-1 immediately if they see or suspect a drunk driver.
“Impaired driving is a significant factor in collisions throughout the province,” says Daley. “Of all drivers involved in fatal collisions during 2006, more than 22 per cent had consumed alcohol before the crash.”
The penalties are severe for those caught drinking and driving, such as a $1,000 fine for the first offence. A second offence results in a 30-day jail sentence minimum, while third and subsequent offences mean a 120-day jail sentence minimum. However, significantly higher penalties will result if bodily injury or death occurs.
Approximately 7,700 people are convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year. The Alberta Administrative Licence Suspension program ensures drivers charged with an alcohol-related offence face an automatic suspension of their driving privileges, so no conviction is necessary, he adds.
All the law enforcement services wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
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