The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador will be taking part in National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day on Saturday, Dec. 2.
It’s part of National Safe Driving Week.
RCMP officers from across the province will be focusing on road safety and apprehending impaired drivers. There will be increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the province.
“The consequences of impaired driving are significant,” Insp. Holly Turton, the officer in charge of provincial policing, said in a news release.
“Not only do impaired drivers risk their life and the life of others, they will be charged criminally. The effects on family and friends will last a life time.”
Motorists are reminded that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Lack of sleep, prescription medications and illegal drugs can all be prosecuted as impaired driving.
Police will also be looking for other unsafe driving practices, including failure to wear a seatbelt, distracted and aggressive driving, and speeding.
As a result of recent amendments to provincial legislation police can now seize and impound vehicles used in an impaired driving offence.
The RCMP encourages anyone who suspects someone is driving while impaired to immediately call 911.
A description of the vehicle and driver, a licence plate number and direction of travel can help police find the vehicle and get the impaired driver off the road.
