Checkstop 2014 will run from December 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015 and will focus on the detection of high-risk drivers, including those who are impaired, not buckled up, speeding or driving while distracted. The launch of this year’s Checkstop coincides with the RCMP’s National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, when RCMP officers across the country will be putting an additional focus on stopping drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The 2014 RCMP Checkstop Program will be running from December 1, 2014 to January 1, 2015.
This is certainly the time of year to be merry and bright, but don’t consume any holiday spirits before getting in the driver’s seat. Far too many people are still choosing high-risk behaviour and are driving impaired. In Manitoba this year, 35% of traffic fatalities (25 fatalities in total) have involved impaired drivers. These are completely preventable tragedies.
RCMP have charged 1479 impaired drivers year-to-date, but zero is the number to strive for. The RCMP, the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance will never stop working to get impaired drivers off the road.
“Some of your fellow Manitobans are not getting home to their families because of impaired drivers, and the RCMP has made it a national priority to change that,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division. “The RCMP is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to looking for people on Manitoba roadways who are choosing to practice high-risk driving behaviours. This approach includes me getting out there tonight on the highways and assisting my officers in keeping the roads safe.”
“Safe and responsible driving is a choice that every Manitoban needs to make this holiday season,” said Justice Minister James Allum. “The Checkstop campaign helps remind us of the serious, sometimes fatal, consequences of impaired driving and other dangerous driving behaviours. Please consider your safety, and the safety of everyone else on the road, before getting behind the wheel.”
All detachments and traffic units in the Province of Manitoba will be taking part in the campaign through extra Checkstops and patrols, funded in part by Manitoba Public Insurance.
During the 2013 Checkstop campaign, Manitoba RCMP members checked more than 10,000 vehicles through 357 Checkstops, and charged 110 people with Criminal Code Impaired Driving offences during the holiday season.
