53 impaired driving sanctions issued in first six months of pilot initiative

In March 2025, Strathcona County Enforcement Services began using Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS), a tool used by various Canadian law enforcement agencies since 2018 to address impaired driving and keep Strathcona County roads safe. This increase in authority was granted by the Government of Alberta as part of a one-year pilot project.  

Previously, Peace Officers were required to request RCMP support during traffic stops if they suspected alcohol impairment. MAS enables Peace Officers to immediately assess alcohol impairment by conducting roadside screenings and issuing any Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) that apply under the Traffic Safety Act.  

Over the past six months, officers conducted a total of 6,159 MAS demands, with 3,496 completed at checkstops and 2,663 during proactive traffic enforcement. As a result, 53 Immediate Roadside Sanctions were issued, averaging two impaired drivers encountered per week. These figures reflect the department’s strategic focus on both planned and spontaneous interventions to deter impaired driving in Strathcona County. 

“These results reflect the dedication of our officers and the effectiveness of our enforcement strategies,” says Inspector Vito DiSciglio, Manager of Enforcement Services. 

“Our commitment to road safety remains unwavering and we cannot stress this enough. Don’t drink and drive.”   

With this pilot project, Strathcona County Enforcement Services continues to lead the charge against impaired driving. Every impaired driver taken off the road represents one less potential tragedy. 

For more information about the pilot initiative, visit strathcona.ca/ImpairedDriving. 

For more information about impaired driving laws in Alberta, visit alberta.ca/ImpairedDriving. 

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Contact:  
Strathcona County Communications 
780-410-6595 
strathcona.ca