Keeping our streets safe to drive on is the responsibility of all of us, not just the police. You can play a role in ensuring that unsafe drivers and impaired drivers are prevented from injuring or killing themselves or someone else. In Alberta, there are several programs that help promote public involvement in tracking unsafe drivers.

CURB THE DANGER

Curb the Danger encourages citizens to contact police about suspected impaired drivers throughout the year. Since Curb the Danger started on October 26, 2006, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS)has received 4,716 calls about suspected impaired drivers on Edmonton streets.  Of that total, police pulled over 1,416 drivers, which led to 438 impaired charges and 68 24-hour suspensions. An additional 1,322 registered owners received letters in the mail indicating that their driving habits were reported to police.

Tip for callers: It is very important that callers obtain the license plate of the suspected impaired driver. All motorists are reminded to obey traffic laws and keep their own safety foremost in mind when reporting suspected impaired drivers.

Signs that could indicate an impaired driver:

• unreasonably fast or slow speeds or inconsistent speeds;
• frequent lane changes or swerving when passing;
• ignoring traffic signals and signs;
• approaching traffic signals and signs unreasonably fast or slow;
• sitting at stop signs for long periods of time;
• jerky starts and stops;
• driving too close to the curbs and shoulders; hugging the edge of the road or straddling the center line;
• driving at night without lights; or,
• driving with the windows down in cold weather.

If you see a suspected impaired driver:

• Call 9-1-1 and report the incident immediately;
• Take note of the location;
• Report the license plate number as well as the vehicle description; and
• If possible, keep the vehicle in sight, but do not attempt to chase the vehicle or break the law in order to stay close.

If a patrol car is not available to be dispatched to the incident quickly, the EPS will send a letter to the registered owner telling them that their vehicle was spotted being operated erratically.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER AREAS?

Report what you have seen, giving as thorough a description as you can and police will respond appropriately.