RCMP increasing efforts to catch impaired drivers over the holidays

MONCTON, N.B. – New Brunswick RCMP are increasing their efforts to catch impaired drivers over the holiday season.

Impaired driving continues to be a serious problem in New Brunswick. RCMP say at least five people have died in suspect alcohol related accidents this year.

Sgt. Andre Pepin said being visible can be a deterrent.

“It’s being seen on the roads,” he said. “People know we’re going to be there and we’re going to be checking.”

Warren Schella said every time he hears about an accident it reminds of his daughter, Tasha.

She was killed 37 seven years ago by an impaired driver.

“It was just a bad scene when he hit her and killed her,” he said. “He was stopped a block away from where he hit her by an off-duty RCMP  officer who immediately arrested him.”

Her name has been engraved in a memorial to impaired drivers installed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Schella said he’s still carrying the pain of her loss.

“It’s the worst thing that can happen to anybody,” he said.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving said road checks are necessary with fatalities continuing to rise. But the group is also encouraging people to call 9-1-1 if they see an impaired driver.

Chris Nagle speaks for the group.

“What it does is increase the numbers of eyes that are out on a roadway particularly at times of the day when there are more drunk drivers out and the police are busy,” he said.