Alberta RCMP is marking another year of National Impaired Driving Prevention Week.
The campaign runs this week and is a reminder of the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction.
- Impaired driving, whether by drugs or alcohol, continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. Alcohol, drugs, cannabis, over-the-counter and/or prescription medications can impact your judgment, coordination and reaction time behind the wheel. Plan ahead and ensure you have a designated driver or a safe ride home.
- Fatigued driving can also present many dangers. At 100 kilometres an hour, a driver can travel 150 metres in only six seconds. This means a driver’s eyes need to be closed for only three or four seconds before they could face disastrous consequences.
- Distracted driving can put motorists, passengers and other road users at risk. Texting, switching songs, adjusting a GPS, may seem harmless, but that second where your attention is diverted could result in a motor vehicle collision.
“Impaired driving doesn’t just apply to cars – it also applies to motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles,” notes Sgt. Darrin Turnbull from Alberta RCMP Traffic.
“No matter what, you should never operate a motorized vehicle while impaired. You should do everything in your power to be alert behind the wheel. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 9-1-1,” adds Turnbull.
