Before you hit the road this holiday season, you may want to think twice about that extra refill of rum and eggnog or hard cider. The number of vehicles stopped during the third week of the Winnipeg Police Service’s Holiday Season Checkstop Program has more than doubled since the second week. According to data released Tuesday, police said 1,183 vehicles were stopped between Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 636 more than during the second week. Thirty-six of those drivers were also found to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs—which is 14 more than the previous week’s results. One driver also failed a drug-screening test, and 21 drivers were issued a “warn” on a breath screening device, resulting in a licence suspension. Winnipeg police noted that every driver stopped will be required to provide a breath sample, and drug screening equipment will be used to detect signs of cannabis impairment. Manitobans are also reminded to make alternative driving arrangements if planning on drinking or consuming cannabis, including calling Operation Red Nose, using rideshare services, Winnipeg Transit, or coordinating a designated driver.
