RCMP in our province released statistics on Wednesday from its Holiday Checkstop Program.

From December 1st to January 1st, there were 5,223 vehicles checked by RCMP. This resulted in 853 Provincial Offences Act notices being issued.

In addition, there were 3,436 mandatory alcohol screenings administered.

According to RCMP, police issued 46 Criminal Code alcohol impaired charges, four Criminal Code failure or refusal to comply impaired charges and two Criminal Code drug impaired charges.

There were 88 alcohol immediate roadside prohibitions and 12 drug immediate roadside prohibitions.

Police say 290mg% was the highest blood alcohol content reported.

"It's clear from these results that many people chose to disregard our message," says Inspector Michael Gagliardi, Officer in Charge of RCMP Traffic Services. "We need to further drive that message home, that the number of collisions, the number of fatalities, and the number of people truly affected by impaired driving is just too high."