File Photo.
Last December, Alberta RCMP officers removed 537 impaired drivers from Alberta roads. Among them, 49 were under the influence of drugs or a mix of drugs and alcohol.
As this year’s holiday season begins, RCMP is reminding Albertans to plan for safe rides home during National Safe Driving Week, which runs till Saturday, December 7.
This year, the focus is on driving under the influence of cannabis, an issue highlighted by a 2022 MADD Canada report. The study revealed that nearly one-third of Canadians had used cannabis in the past 30 days, with 12 per cent of those users admitting to driving while believing they were impaired.
Sgt. Darin Turnbull of Alberta RCMP Traffic stressed the importance of community vigilance:
"Alberta RCMP officers will be focusing on Impaired Driving enforcement this month. With all the festivities that December brings, we have planned checkstops all month long, 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 9-1-1 immediately. You never know whose life you could be saving."
To help keep roads safe this holiday season, RCMP encourages everyone to:
- Avoid driving if impaired by alcohol or drugs—it’s both dangerous and criminal.
- Plan ahead by using a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare or staying overnight if needed.
- Be a responsible host—ensure your guests have a safe way home or a place to stay if they’ve been drinking or using drugs.
- Follow Alberta’s zero-tolerance law for Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) holders.
- Call 911 immediately to report suspected impaired drivers.
With check stops planned throughout December, the Alberta RCMP is asking all Albertans to celebrate responsibly and help ensure everyone gets home safely this holiday season.
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