Checkstop program: more police on Manitoba roads in December to curb impaired driving

Police in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba are cracking down on impaired driving this holiday season.

Tuesday marked the launch of the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP’s Festive Season Checkstop program, which runs through December.

“Our message is clear and simple: if you are under the influence of cannabis or alcohol, don’t drive,” said Sgt. Stephane Fontaine, WPS impaired driving countermeasures coordinator.

“If you get pulled over, drivers can expect to produce their drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance, and to provide a sample of their breath.”

There will be a greater police presence on roads across the province, and mandatory alcohol screening for anyone stopped as part of the Checkstop program.

“The idea is to provide officers with an easier way to obtain a breath sample, because as we’ve discovered, sometimes a person who is impaired becomes quite clever and is difficult to detect. By allowing us to test every driver, we ensure that we catch everyone who is trying to evade, and ultimately drive while impaired.”

Officers will also have access to approved drug screening equipment to identify drivers under the influence of drugs.

Authorities say an increase in travellers out celebrating the holidays makes enforcement like Checkstop necessary.

“If you plan to drink or consume cannabis in any form, plan for a safe ride home,” Winnipeg police said in a news release.

Police say motorists should never get behind the wheel while under the influence, and recommend they opt instead for a rideshare, public transit, Operation Red Nose or a designated driver.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the results of the check stop program from December 2023 were 59 impaired charges.  A number the organization is hoping will be cut down this year, with the help of mandatory breath sample screening.

“Because they’re mandatory measures, hopefully, that will bring the number down to zero and make people more aware that there’s a chance they could get checked.  So, again, bring that number down to zero, and make sure people aren’t feeling too confident thinking that they can get away with anything, so it’s important that they’re being checked, absolutely,” said Charlotte Stevens, a volunteer and board member with MAAD Canada.

-With files from Eddie Huband