Cold Lake mounties say they’ve heard good things when it comes to mandatory breathalyzer laws. The new laws allowing police to request a breath sample during any stop have been in effect for about two weeks. Constable Dave Hart of the Cold Lake RCMP detachment says in the past 14 days the RCMP has been explaining the new rules.
“A lot of what we’ll do, especially with it just coming out, is we’ll spend the extra time communicating with people. Explaining what the rationale is behind it. The feedback has been positive.”
The law was passed as a part of the federal Bill C-46 in June, which was also a part in legalizing marijuana. Mothers Against Drunk Driving says the group expects the new laws to reduce alcohol-related deaths on the roads around the country by as early as next year.
Hart says it’s a tool the police have for one reason: safety.
“It’s definitely a good authority for us to be able to have. The overall goal is to reduce one of the most dangerous offences that continues to happen and that’s operating motor vehicles while being impaired.”
The RCMP continue to urge people who have been drinking to seek an alternate ride home.