‘Tis the season, Christmas parties, family gatherings and checkstops!

Manitoba RCMP has launched their annual checkstop program, although the mounties call it the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), aimed at taking impaired drivers off the roads.

Beginning on Sunday, December 1, 2019, and continuing to January 1, 2020, RCMP from all detachments across the province will be participating in the program.

Police say that in 2018 STEP checked more than 11,700 vehicles during the 262 checkstops RCMP conducted. 105 people were charged with criminal code impaired driving offences and 30 given roadside suspensions.

“The RCMP is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone traveling on Manitoba roads and educating the public in safe driving practices continues to be our priority,” said Insp. Chris Moore, Officer in Charge of “D” Division Traffic Services. “We are doing our part by raising public awareness about road safety and conducting traffic enforcement programs, the driving public have to do their part by adjusting their driving habits to make Manitoba’s roads safer.”

© News4.ca 2020