ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Despite a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic that kept people off the roads since March 18, the RCMP has been busy charging people with impaired driving.
There have been multiple weekends when officers across the province have made more than one arrest.
According to the RCMP, from March 18 to June 21 officers charged 94 allegedly impaired drivers, while there are seven arrests still waiting on test results.
That is up from the same period in 2019 when officers made 71 arrests.
“While we can say the numbers are up for this year during that same time period, it is difficult to interpret those numbers down to one solid reason/factor,” an RCMP spokesperson stated in an email. “A number of factors would need to be considered.
“RCMP NL continues to work towards safe roads and safe communities and our officers remain dedicated towards the enforcement of impaired drivers.”
While MADD Exploits Valley chapter president Lynn Skanes said she is encouraged by the increase in arrests, and it shows police are stepping up their presence in communities across the province.
But she says more could be done by the community at large to make sure the high number of arrests isn’t needed.
“It is very alarming,” said Skanes. “I’m only thankful we haven’t heard of any deaths because of it. We have to get more community members involved and taking responsibility.
“Everyone has a part in it.”
Nicholas Mercer is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering Central Newfoundland for SaltWire Network.
