Alberta RCMP reminds motorists of impaired driving risks

Dec 4, 2024 | 10:36 AM

Alberta RCMP is reminding residents to find a safe ride home if you plan on consuming drugs or alcohol this holiday season.

As part of National Safe Driving Week from Dec. 1-7, this year’s campaign focuses on driving under the influence of cannabis.

According to MADD Canada, in 2022 almost a third of Canadians reported using cannabis in the last 30 days and 12 per cent drove while believing they were impaired.

In addition, last December, Alberta RCMP officers caught 537 impaired drivers and of those removed from the roadways, 49 of them were under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol, say police.

Mounties say Albertans should not get behind the wheel if they’ve consumed drugs or alcohol and to find a sober ride home or a safe place to stay the night.

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“Alberta RCMP officers will be focusing on impaired driving enforcement this month,” says Sgt. Darin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic.

“With all the festivities that December brings, we have planned checkstops all month long and specifically this Saturday, December 7, for National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day. This December, and always, look out for one another. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 immediately. You never know whose life you could be saving.”

The RCMP is reminding everyone that driving while impaired is never okay and is criminal and dangerous. It’s also always preventable and can be avoided by calling a taxi, rideshare service, or a designated driver.

Party hosts are also not off the hook. If party guests have been drinking or using drugs, RCMP say it’s important to make sure they have a safe place to stay or a safe ride home.

If you witness or suspect impaired driver call 911 immediately.

by rdnewsNOW staff