Police thank Edmonton citizens for reporting suspected impaired drivers

The Edmonton Police Service continues to encourage the public to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 when it is safe to do so, as part of the Curb the Danger program.

In June 2014, EPS received 809 calls reporting suspected impaired drivers. These calls led to 65 impaired driving charges, 25 license suspensions, and 60 warning letters to registered vehicle owners advising them their vehicle was reported to Curb the Danger.

“The success of the Curb the Danger program is largely dependent on the participation of Edmonton citizens,” says Acting Inspector Ted Hrebien, of EPS Traffic Section. “The Edmonton Police Service would like to thank those who have taken the time to call and report dangerous driving incidents. These calls are our connection to the arrest of drivers who are under the influence.”

On Saturday, June 28, 2014, several concerned citizens called to report a vehicle allegedly driving over lawns in the area of 68 Avenue and 94 Street. Police arrived on scene and found the vehicle engulfed in flames. Witnesses identified the driver, and officers arrested a 41-year-old male. Investigations revealed the accused had 11 previous criminal driving charges stemming from 1991. The accused was charged with impaired driving, driving while disqualified and refusing to provide samples of breath.

“This is an example of Edmonton citizens working together to Curb the Danger to create safer communities,” says Acting Inspector Hrebien.

So far in 2014, there have been a total of 4,296 calls into Curb the Danger, 1,410 intercepts, 353 impaired charges, 134 24-hour suspensions, and 352 letters sent to the registered vehicle owners.

If you suspect a driver is impaired:

• Call 911 if it is safe to do so. Calling 911 in an emergency, or to report an impaired driver, is permitted while driving under the distracted driving law.


• Report the location, vehicle description, and license plate number.


• If possible, keep the vehicle in sight but do not attempt to chase the vehicle, or break the law to do so.

The Curb the Danger program was established in 2006 and is part of Edmonton Police Service impaired driving enforcement efforts. Since its inception, Curb the Danger has received 66,220 calls from the public. Police have successfully intercepted 22,115 vehicles, issued 1,995 license suspensions and sent 9,897 letters to vehicle owners.

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