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Launch of Operation Care & Control

December 21, 2009: Operation Care and Control Update
November 16, 2009: Read news release
November 09, 2009: Read news release update

Each year despite stronger federal and provincial impaired driving legislation, Alberta Check Stops, awareness campaigns and other initiatives, impaired driving continues to be a significant problem in Canada.  In Medicine Hat, between 2004 and 2008 there was a 61% increase in the number of impaired-driving charges laid.  Unfortunately there have been 306 impaired driving charges laid so far this year, indicating that the 2009 statistics will exceed all previous years.  Any death, injury or property damage caused by impaired driving is preventable. 

In partnership with the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) an aggressive impaired driving initiative, Operation Care & Control is being launched today by the Medicine Hat Police Service. The goal of this operation is to reduce risk to the public by arresting the impaired drivers once they have care and control of a motor vehicle.  Officers will focus their attention around licensed premises including bars, pubs and special event locations.  In addition there will be regular Alberta Check Stops held throughout the community. 

“While it might not be an offence for an intoxicated or impaired person to walk to their vehicle” states Inspector Rick Wigle, “it becomes an offence when the decision is made to get behind the wheel and start the vehicle.” 

Care enough to save yourself and others.  Control your actions to save lives.  Don’t drink and drive. 

For more information contact: 

Inspector Rick Wigle
Medicine Hat Police Service
PH: 403-529-8416