st johns police force spent much of Thursday night setting up random check stops around town looking for drivers in effect of drugs and alcohol. annual campaign is to reduce impaired driving Everywhere (ride).
MADD Canada said residents are “not getting the message” when it comes to impaired driving. According to a St. John MADD spokesperson, more residents are expected to get out and enjoy the festive cheer over the holidays.
“Unfortunately, people haven’t learned their lesson,” said Karen Dunham of MADD Canada.
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“We’re seeing an increase in numbers. It’s very, very sad because the holidays are coming, and they’re busy and festive, and everyone’s out.”
The most recent data Show charges are levied every six minutes for impaired driving across the country from MADD Canada. It also showed that the numbers are rising, which was not the case a decade ago.
In their first two hours of Thursday’s check stops, St. John’s police spoke to 480 drivers and issued 50 mandatory alcohol tests.
At the end of the program’s first week, December 1–4, 1,400 cars passed through the check stops. Two drivers have been arrested for drinking alcohol.
“I think people are getting the message, but we wouldn’t be out there if there weren’t constant examples of people acting impaired,” explained Const. Travis Jones.
“The numbers certainly don’t point to a (driving in effect) decline.”
The stops around town are in partnership with MADD Canada, which launched its Red Ribbon campaign in November. Like St. John’s, ribbons are placed throughout the country as a reminder to think twice behind the wheel after consuming drugs and alcohol.
Ribbons were placed on the tree to remind people not to drink and drive.
Jack Power / Global News
“By putting that red ribbon on their purse or backpack or their car, it’s a commitment to safe and sober driving,” Dunham said.
“It’s also a reminder to drive sober and show respect for those who have been injured or killed by a bad driver.”
The St. John’s Police Force says that anyone who sees someone driving under the influence should dial 911 immediately.
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