LPS Charity Check Stop campaign underway

Lethbridge drivers have the chance to stay on Santa’s nice list this month as Lethbridge Police (LPS) and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are teaming up for the fifth year of the Christmas Check Stop campaign.

“With the season, there’s definitely more social events going on, and we just want to make sure that drivers, if they’re using alcohol or marijuana, they’re following the laws and making sure they have safe rides home,” said Sgt. Danny Lomness, LPS Traffic Response Unit.

Lomness said when motorists drive responsibly on the roads, a checkpoint is a quick and easy process.

“If they are blown into one of the open lanes, they will speak directly to an officer where they will be asked to provide a sample of their breath in an approved screening device, which will determine if there is any alcohol in the driver’s system ,” Lomness said.

In its first weekend, LPS checked approximately 700 vehicles, arrested one driver, issued three Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) failures, two warnings and one graduated driver’s license suspension.

Anita Huchala, MADD Lethbridge and Area President, advises when making vacation plans, be sure to include a way home in that process.

“We spend money on that beautiful outfit, or we spend money on getting our hair done, our makeup done, going out for a nice meal and possibly having a little alcohol, but always putting a few dollars aside just to be sure make us have a safe ride home,” Huchala said. “Call that cab or ask a sober friend to pick you up.”

“You know there’s always another option out there, there’s certainly taxis, Operation Red Nose, I know, is operational this year,” Lomness said.

Check stops will take place throughout the city and into the new year.

“Plan that ride home because it’s the safest thing to do for everyone,” Lomness said.

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