EPS cracks down on impaired driving with help from RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs

Edmonton police are hoping their annual “Holiday Checkstop” campaign, which cracks down on impaired driving, will be more effective this year.

That’s because the team of EPS officers is getting a boost from the RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs for the holidays.

“If you choose, and it is a choice, to drive while impaired, the police are out there, and there’s a good chance you’re going to get caught, and there’s real consequences that are involved,” said Staff Sgt. Dan Furman

“Traffic is still flowing,” added Cpl. Curtis Harsulla. “We’re not stopping or delaying anybody, but with the more officers we have, the more we can pull out of the line that’s passing through and screen more.”

The campaign has a personal connection for EPS Const. Adam Cotterall.

One of his friends was killed by a drunk driver in a preventable head-on collision.

“I think about my past and how it impacted my life, and every time I’m able to remove an impaired driver off the road, there’s a sense of gratitude,” said Cotterall, who will be talking with motorists throughout the holidays.

Line of Edmonton police cruisers. (Credit: CityNews/Elliott Knopp)

Impaired driving on the decline

The number of suspected and confirmed impaired drivers has seen a steady decline over the last few years.

In 2018, police received more than 8,900 calls from Edmontonians who thought they saw someone impaired behind the wheel. Less than 5,000 of those calls have been placed this year.

Impaired driving charges have declined as well – dropping from 700 in 2018 to 63 this year.

But officials say that number could easily jump with the holiday rush.

Roadside officers will be testing for both drugs and alcohol.

Edmonton police impaired driving checkstop. (Credit: CityNews/Elliott Knopp)