by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 06/96) - Drunk drivers will come under close surveillance this Christmas and New Year's season thanks to an intense spotcheck campaign.

RCMP, Department of Transportation, Fire Department, municipal police, and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) are joining forces for this year's holiday season check stops.

"There will be just as many (check stops) as last year," said RCMP Sgt. Wylie Grimm. "There's more participation from SADD and the Department of Transportation this year."

Grimm said the extra involvement in the campaign will perhaps make the presence even stronger.

Last year's campaign was a great success, nabbing only one drunk driver throughout the entire Christmas and New Year's season.

Grimm said it was the lowest number for impaired drivers ever picked up at check stops.

"I find that result positive," he said. "It shows that our advertising campaign is working. And that's what we're hoping for this year."

There are 12 check stops planned for the month of December, with many unscheduled road blocks anticipated as well.

Grimm said that being arrested comes at great expense to the driver.

The ordeal begins when an officer gives the official breathalyser demand. Then, the driver is brought to Yellowknife detachment to give a breath sample.

Failing the test means the driver is charged and either spends the night in jail or police release the individual in the company of someone sober.

The driver's licence is suspended for 24 hours, and the person is required to appear in court to answer to the charge.

Grimm said it costs about $150 to get the impounded vehicle back.