With all the festive celebrations in December, the Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers to plan a safe ride home.
The week of Dec. 1 to Dec. 7 is National Safe Driving Week, and this year, the focus is in regards to driving under the influence of cannabis.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, in 2022, nearly a third of Canadians reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, of which 12 per cent of users drove while they were impaired.
Last December, the Alberta RCMP removed 537 drivers from roadways due to the driver being impaired.
Of the 537 removed, 49 of them were under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
The Alberta RCMP would like to remind people this December to always:
- Not drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Know that impaired driving is always preventable and can always be avoided. Call a taxi or ride-share service, use a designated driver, or stay the night
- Know party hosts aren't off the hook. If the host has guests that have been drinking or using drugs they need to make sure that those guests have a safe place to stay, or a sober ride home
- Know that individuals with a Graduated Driver's Licence must abide by the zero-tolerance law
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if witnessing or suspecting impaired driving
"Alberta RCMP officers will be focusing on Impaired Driving enforcement this month,” said 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.”
