From December 2 to 11, 2011, the RCMP Holiday Check Stop Program has resulted in numerous charges.
• 6,745 vehicles checked across the Province of Manitoba during 148 check Stops
• 36 people charged with either Impaired Driving or Drive Over .08.
• The average blood/alcohol reading was 162 mgs% (0.162) – over double the legal limit.
• The highest blood/alcohol reading was 260 mgs% (0.26) – over 3 times the legal limit
• An additional 10 people were charged with Refusal and 1 person was charged with Impaired by a Drug.
Other stats from the 2011/12 program include:
• Thirteen (13) – 24 hour alcohol-related roadside suspensions.
• 47 people charged for not wearing their seatbelts
• 610 other traffic related provincial statute HTA (Highway Traffic Act) charges laid.
• 11 other Criminal Code offences
• 7 charges under the LCA (Liquor Control Act)
During one check Stop, police arrested a suspect in a Break and Enter in the Fisher Branch area.
During the same period of the 2010/11 program there were 49 people charged for impaired driving related offences (Impaired, Over .08, or Refusal).
There has been one traffic related fatality since the start of the Check Stop season.
On December 4, 2011 at about 6:30 p.m. Stonewall RCMP as well as local emergency services were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover collision on road 81 north at the junction of road 7 east.
An RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst attended to assist with the investigation, which indicates a 2003 Dodge Ram had left the roadway and rolled over at least once.
The driver and lone occupant, a 70 year old man from the RM of Rockwood was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The name of the deceased will not be released. Police continue to investigate.
Police remind motorists to always plan ahead during the holiday season. Have a designated driver, take a cab, or use operation Red Nose.
