Alberta RCMP removed a total of 101 impaired drivers from provincial roadways over Canada Day long weekend from June 28 to July 1.
Of the 101 impaired motorists, 79 drivers received Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) FAILs and 22 received IRS WARNs.
Police also issued 1,679 traffic safety violation tickets, writing up 780 motorists for exceeding the speed limit, 31 for distracted driving and another 34 for the improper use of vehicle safety restraints.
“Sadly, there were seven fatalities due to road-related incidents over the long weekend. These are individuals who would have been back home on Tuesday. They are our family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbours. It’s devastating,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic, in a news release.
“While our officers work to uphold traffic safety, Albertans also have a role to play in helping ensure everyone makes it home safely.”
From July 1-2, Alberta RCMP Traffic also conducted an enforcement initiative on Highway 1 near Banff and Lake Louise.
This initiative focused on general road safety but also targeted speeding in light of recent incidents of motorists striking wildlife in national parks.
A total of 178 tickets were issued, including 144 for speeding and 11 for speeding 50 km/h over the posted limit.
The total tickets issued resulted in $42,551 in fines and numerous drivers facing mandatory court charges.
