As the Canada Day long weekend approaches, the Albert RCMP wants to remind members of the community of the dangers of driving while impaired due to drugs or alcohol.
According to an RCMP press release, in Alberta, one in five drivers involved in fatal collisions were drinking before the collision occurred. This compares to approximately one in 20 drivers involved in injury collisions, according to MADD Canada.
During the 2024 Canada Day long weekend, seven people were fatally injured in road-related incidents, and 101 impaired drivers were removed from the roads in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction.
Before getting behind the wheel this Canada Day, the RCMP wants motorists to remember:
- Driving impaired is dangerous and criminal.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgment and reaction time.
- Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) is a tool used by Alberta RCMP to deter and detect impaired driving. Drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample can be criminally charged.
- Individuals with a Graduated Driver’s Licence must follow the zero-tolerance law.
- Plan ahead, make sure you have a safe ride home. Call a taxi or rideshare service, use a designated driver or plan to stay the night. Impaired driving is preventable.
- Impaired driving laws apply to all motorized vehicles, including boats and off-highway vehicles (OHV).
“Whether celebrating the holiday at the lake or on a patio, always remember you should never operate a motorized vehicle, including boats and OHVs, if you have been drinking or using cannabis,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Everyone should be able to make it home safely this Canada Day. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.”
