News release

Wood Buffalo RCMP ask citizens to stay vigilant to impaired drivers

April 13, 2026 - Fort McMurray, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort McMurray, Alta – During the month of March, Wood Buffalo RCMP, along with Wood Buffalo RCMP Municipal Traffic Services, conducted 23 impaired driving investigations. These investigations commenced through proactive traffic enforcement; check stops and citizen reports to police. 

In each instance, the vehicles were removed from the road, and the drivers are facing the following penalties:

• 14 drivers were issued an Immediate Roadside (IRS) Fail under the Traffic Safety Act
• four drivers were issued  three day driving suspensions
• two drivers were issued 24-hour driving suspensions
• three drivers were charged with Impaired driving under the Criminal Code

An IRS fail carries a minimum fine of $1,000 and a victim fine surcharge of 20%, a 90-day drivers licence suspension, and a 30-day vehicle seizure. For each repeat offender, the fines and suspension time increases. 

The Wood Buffalo RCMP offer the following safety tips to help you stay safe and avoid impaired driving:

• If you know that you’ll be drinking alcohol or using substances, plan your transportation in advance.
• Arrange for a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation to take you to and from your destination. 
• If you’re attending an event with friends or family, establish a designated driver who will remain sober and responsible for getting everyone home safely. 
• If you’re celebrating at a friend’s house, consider asking if you can stay overnight rather than risk driving home impaired. 
• If you notice that a friend or family member has had too much to drink, don’t let them drive. Instead, offer to help them find alternative transportation.
• If you take on the role of designated driver, be sure to stay alcohol-free for the entire event.
• It’s important to note that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol consumption. Driving under the influence of cannabis or prescription drugs can also impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Community members can do their part to prevent impaired driving by following these safety tips. If you witness or suspect an impaired driver, please call 9-1-1. 

For more traffic safety information, follow the Alberta RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and X @RCMPAlberta.

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