Local RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs held a check stop at Crowsnest Lake on Saturday April 27th.

The check stop was put on for a couple of different reasons.

“We do it every year with a focus on impaired driving. We check for driver sobriety, vehicle documents to make sure everyone is legal on the road and making sure people are operating their vehicle without any alcohol in their system. It’s a big push for impaired driving,” said Cst. Jordan Ayoub.

Cst. Ayoub says these types of check stops are held two to three times a year as a way to help limit the number of impaired drivers on the road but also to educate drivers who end up coming through a stop like this.
“The big thing is that we do these more for the public education than catching people. We definitely put an emphasis on public education.”

Cst. Ayoub says the success of these types of stops can vary depending on what time they are held.

“They can be successful but they are tricky. Trying to find the right time of year and the right weather and volume of traffic can be tough. We’ve found these stops are typically more successful in the evening.”

The check stops also involve the police dog service to provide assistance in case any drugs are found in a vehicle.

Cst. Ayoub says that there are plans for more in the future and that getting a police presence out on the road is important for all drivers.

“Typically we'll look to do two to three a year. This is the first one this year and then we'll look to do another one the May long weekend and then one towards the end of summer. Again, it's just putting a police presence out there to educate the public and really hammering away on impaired driving.”

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