Two instances of impaired driving were reported during a Dec. 20 checkstop that pulled over more than 1,000 vehicles.
It was a busy night for the Cochrane Integrated Traffic Unit, who were set up near the junction of Highway 22 and James Walker Trail, as well as the corner of River Avenue and First Street.
“Overall, when you look at the number of vehicles we stopped, to only have two impaired instances is a good thing,” remarked Sgt. Dave Hardy of the traffic unit. “Of course, it would have been nice to have none.”
In total, seven roadside screening tests were administered: five drivers passed, one driver was arrested for impaired driving, and a graduated driver’s licence holder was issued a 30-day suspension and seven-day vehicle seizure.
In addition to the impaired-related tickets, Hardy said 12 tickets were handed out for a variety of traffic violations, along with liquor-related tickets and one arrest.
“But just because the holiday season is over doesn’t mean our job is done,” said Hardy, adding that weekly check stops will continue into 2014. “(The traffic unit) encourages everyone to be responsible — there are a lot of options available to get people home safe and sound. The risk isn’t worth it.”
