Impaired driving numbers remain “far too high,” according to Alberta RCMP.
Alberta RCMP laid 2,788 charges for impaired operation by alcohol and 124 charges for impaired operation by a drug from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31 this year.
“Whether caused by alcohol or any other drug, impaired driving remains a crime. The recent legalization of recreational cannabis does not change the fact that we all have a role to play in #TrafficSafety,” said Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services, in a statement.
“Please take time to plan for a sober ride to and from your destinations this holiday season,” Graham added.
Hundreds of RCMP officers and Alberta Sheriffs also went out on patrol Saturday to remove impaired drivers off the road during National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, a Canada-wide RCMP initiative. This event helped kick off National Safe Driving Week, which runs from Dec. 1 to 7.
Alberta RCMP advised members of the public to plan ahead before drinking and know their limits. It offered the following tips:
- Plan a safe ride home before heading out to the party.
- Never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
- Cannabis impairs differently than alcohol but it still impairs.
Alberta RCMP stated that party hosts can also take the following steps to prevent drunk driving:
- Taking guests’ keys away is sometimes the best option.
- Have taxi information easily displayed.
- Offer up your couch for the night.
- If the impaired person doesn’t listen to you, make sure their passengers do.
- If the driver doesn’t listen, do the right thing and call 911.
For more traffic safety tips, follow #TrafficSafety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.
Source: Daily Herald Tribune