Edmonton police have started their holiday checkstop program, which will continue until the end of December.
But this year, officers will be armed with new tests because they're looking for more than impaired drivers.
"A series of tests will tell us whether or not they do have some type of impairment by drug. Alcohol is dealt with in a different kind of test," explained Const. Wayne Paesch with the Edmonton Police Service.
According to police, there were 2,145 impaired driving charges laid last year. And to date this year, there have been 1,546 impaired driving charges.
Police want to remind motorists that they have the option to take a cab, call Operation Red Nose, or get a ride from a friend or family member who hasn't been drinking.
Police believe public campaigns such as checkstops help make motorists more aware that city police are out watching for drunk drivers.
