Slave Lake RCMP issues urgent warning on impaired driving
Slave Lake, Alta – Slave Lake RCMP are issuing a strong warning to the public following a concerning number of impaired driving incidents, including one incident where a driver was found to be over four times the legal alcohol limit.
Over the past week, officers have responded to multiple dangerous and preventable cases of impaired driving, highlighting the serious risks posed to public safety. In one instance, a driver was stopped and provided a breath sample that registered over 320 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, a level of impairment that can result in severe impairment, loss of consciousness, and even death.
“Driving under the influence is not just reckless; it is life-threatening. Every time someone chooses to get behind the wheel impaired, they put themselves, their passengers, and every other road user at risk,” said S/Sgt. Casey Bruyns, Slave Lake RCMP detachment commander.
Police are reminding the public that Alberta has strict impaired driving laws, and consequences can include:
- Immediate license suspension
- Vehicle seizures
- Criminal charges
- Fines and court-ordered driving prohibitions
- Increased insurance rates
Beyond legal penalties, the real cost of impaired driving is measured in lives lost and families shattered. “There is zero excuse for impaired driving,” S/Sgt. Bruyns emphasized. “We need the public’s help to stop these preventable tragedies. If you drink or use drugs, don’t drive. It’s that simple. We will not tolerate drivers who make reckless decisions that endanger others.”