A joint roadside checkstop program by Manitoba RCMP, Winnipeg police and CP police at the Perimeter Highway and Portage Avenue on Friday, December 15, 2017. (RCMP HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — Manitoba RCMP have charged 26 people during the first week of the holiday checkstop program.
Between December 1-8, RCMP checked more than 3,700 vehicles across the province during 99 checkstops.
Of those, 21 drivers were found to be impaired, while five refused a breathalyzer.
The highest blood alcohol reading reported was 0.23, while 15 alcohol- or drug-related administrative roadside suspensions were handed out.
During the same time period, 141 traffic-related charges were laid and 34 written warnings issued.
“The RCMP remains committed to removing impaired drivers off our roads through the annual checkstop program,” said Inspector Chris Moore, officer in charge of traffic services for the Manitoba RCMP.
“We know it works; over the last six checkstop campaigns in Manitoba RCMP jurisdiction, 637 people have been charged with impaired driving and 300 alcohol-related suspensions have been issued.”
From January 1 to December 12, 2019, 87 people lost their lives in 78 vehicle collisions across Manitoba. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in 27 of the collisions.
Immediate roadside suspensions for impaired driving begin taking effect on Monday, December 16.
The annual checkstop program runs until January 1, 2020.
