Nine breathalyzer fails in first week of checkstop

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This article was published 10/12/2024 (327 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police stopped 1,219 motorists during the first week of the holiday checkstop program, which included mandatory alcohol screenings for the first time.

Nine people failed roadside screenings last week, while 12 others were given warnings. Two drivers were charged with impaired driving, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Tuesday.

Officers also issued 12 traffic tickets.

“Impaired driving is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in Manitoba. Our message is simple — if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, don’t drive,” police said.

Drivers who fail roadside screenings are given an immediate roadside prohibition and can be subject to sanctions, including a licence suspension and vehicle seizure.

In some cases, they can be criminally charged, a police spokesperson said.

The police service said last week mandatory alcohol screenings would be part of checkstops. Previously, such screenings were implemented at an officer’s discretion.

RCMP have required a sample from every driver pulled over at holiday checkstops since legislation first allowed it in 2018.

Last year, city police stopped 883 vehicles in Winnipeg.

Officers conducted 591 roadside screenings that resulted in eight warnings and six fails. Five people were charged criminally and 28 others were ticketed for traffic offences.

In total, WPS laid 13 charges for impaired driving and 11 more for failing or refusing to comply with a request for a breath sample during last year’s campaign.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca