RCMP say there are several factors contributing to what appears to be a recent increase in the number of people being found sleeping or unconscious behind the wheel.

In recent weeks there have been a number of incidents that eventually led to charges, including the arrest this week of a man wanted by the RNC who was arrested by RCMP in Bay Roberts after police were called by a concerned citizen.

Last week a man was arrested and charged, and drugs and weapons were seized after he was found passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle in Stephenville.

Last month a man and a woman were arrested and charged with numerous drug-related offences after they were both found asleep inside a damaged vehicle in Holyrood.

Corporal Jesse O’Donaghey of the RCMP says there are a number of factors that contribute to those type situations.

“It’s not always drug-impaired individuals that we’re finding in this state behind the wheel of a vehicle that’s either running or could be put in motion – it’s individuals that are under the influence of alcohol too.”

He says it’s not uncommon for front-line officers to respond to such calls or to encounter people unconscious or asleep in vehicles while conducting patrols.

O’Donaghey thanks the public for reporting incidents when they see them.