Alberta RCMP were busy handing out traffic tickets over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

In total, 1,861 tickets were issued from Oct. 9-12 as part of the Operation Impact 2026 traffic safety campaign, RCMP said in a Wednesday news release. Of that, 87 drivers were removed from the roads for impairment from alcohol or drugs, and immediate roadside sanctions were issued. Four of those drivers received 24-hour suspensions for being suspected of being impaired by alcohol, drugs or a physical or medical condition; 21 had blood alcohol concentration levels between 0.05 and 0.079 or failed drug and alcohol sobriety tests; 55 had blood alcohol concentration levels 0.08 or more, failing or refusing drug and alcohol testing; and seven novice/commercial drivers were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

As well, RCMP officers handed out 755 tickets for speeding, 32 for distracted driving and 25 for seatbelt infractions during the campaign.

RCMP also said there were two fatal collisions and 15 collisions causing injuries over the long weekend in the province.

“Operation Impact is an important reminder that road safety requires constant attention behind the wheel,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services, in the release. “While enforcement plays a role, every driver has a responsibility to make safe choices and help keep Alberta’s roads safe.”

Bookmark our website and support our journalism:Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.

You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.