Helicopter Aids RCMP in Arresting 9 Impaired Drivers in P.E.I.

UPDATE: In a groundbreaking move, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island deployed a helicopter over the weekend to track down impaired drivers fleeing police in West Prince. This marks the first time a helicopter has been utilized for traffic enforcement in the province, highlighting an urgent response to address serious safety concerns on the roads.

Authorities confirmed that from July 14 to July 15, officers conducted more than 115 traffic stops as part of a focused initiative to combat impaired driving. Despite a slight decline in the statistics, P.E.I. still holds the highest impaired driving rate among Canadian provinces.

With the helicopter support from Moncton, RCMP located and arrested four drivers who attempted to flee in various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and ATVs. Additionally, a fifth driver, who did not attempt to escape, was also apprehended for impaired driving.

Cpl. Gavin Moore, the RCMP’s media relations officer, emphasized the safety implications of these incidents:

“Anytime somebody takes flight from police, it is a concern for safety for all motorists, for the driver, for police, and for anybody else on the roads.”

The targeted operation was conducted in West Prince due to its high incidence of flight-from-police cases and alarming statistics indicating that Prince County accounts for about half of all fatal motor vehicle collisions in the RCMP’s jurisdiction over the past five years.

The operation yielded significant results:
– 4 arrests for fleeing police
– 5 arrests for impaired driving
– 23 violation tickets issued

The helicopter was chosen for its superior ability to track vehicles compared to drones, allowing for better height control and flight duration. Moore stated, “The helicopter provides additional tools for tracking vehicles once identified, making it an invaluable asset in these situations.”

The RCMP’s Atlantic Regional Air Services, in coordination with multiple units including Provincial Traffic Services and Police Dog Services, conducted this operation to enhance road safety for all.

As the province continues to confront these pressing issues, authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and responsible. The use of aerial support in law enforcement signifies a new era in traffic safety measures on P.E.I..

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.