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Driver accused of having four times the legal blood alcohol limit

A 35-year-old man from Winnipeg is facing impaired driving charges after being arrested by Canmore RCMP last week
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CANMORE – A Winnipeg man is accused of driving impaired last week with four times the legal amount of alcohol allowed in a person's bloodstream. 

Canmore RCMP received multiple calls last Friday (May 29) around 5 p.m. about an erratic driver on the Trans-Canada Highway heading westbound near Dead Man's Flats. 

Cpl. Sabrina Clayton said multiple witnesses reported a grey Ford Focus travelling at various speeds, swerving in and out of the driving lane, hitting the shoulder of the highway and at one point striking the guardrail. 

Clayton said the vehicle exited at Palliser Trail and two other vehicles  – a van and a truck – were able to block the driver on two sides. Clayton, who responded to the call, used her police cruiser to block the vehicle on the left and prevent the driver from moving any further.

The driver, a 35-year-old male from Winnipeg, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired and having a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. RCMP allege breath samples taken from the driver showed a blood alcohol level four times the legal limit of 0.08. 

Clayton thanked the public for its assistance, but cautioned that trying to stop an impaired vehicle yourself could put you in danger as well. 

"We are very thankful we get the calls we do about these drivers, because we cannot be everywhere," she said. "But it is rare to put yourself in a position to stop [an impaired driver]. It is definitely not something we would recommend." 

She cautioned the public to not consume alcohol or drugs and operate a motor vehicle, as it puts lives at risk. 

"It is absolutely risky being intoxicated by any substance – alcohol or drugs," Clayton said. "It takes away your ability to drive safely and your reaction time is much slower." 

Anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle driving on the highway and who has not already spoken with RCMP, is asked to contact the Canmore detachment at 403-678-5519. 

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