Wood Buffalo RCMP Engage in Weekend Check Stops
Over the course of three weekends the Wood Buffalo RCMP engaged in check stops across the entire region, and this resulted in at least 100 charges against motorists in the area. The check stops were held as part of a National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, and police efforts really paid off. Some motorists received charges, and some had suspensions as a result of the check stops. Infractions by motorists ranged from speeding to drug possession charges to impaired driving. 13 motorists had their vehicles towed, and police seized 13 grams of cocaine with the help of the Police Dog Service Unit. The Wood Buffalo RCMP thanked residents for the patience that was shown during the check stops, and reminded everyone that they are only trying to make the roads safer for the entire community.
During the stop checks by Wood Buffalo RCMP 26 motorists were cited for speeding, and three of these motorists were caught doing well above the posted speed limit of 70km/hr. One was clocked at 142 km/h, one at 162 km/h, and one at 174 km/h. 60 motorists were cited for offenses that involved distracted driving or intersection infractions. In addition the Wood Buffalo RCMP caught 6 impaired driving, 4 suspensions of 72 hours, and 8 suspensions of 24 hours that were related to alcohol or drugs. The results show that the weekend check stops were effective at removing dangerous or impaired motorists from the road while minimizing any delays or hassles to law abiding residents and visitors.