With Canada Day comes celebrations across the country.
While people are out celebrating, the Alberta RCMP are reminding people to be careful while out enjoying fun.
On average in Alberta, one in five drivers involved in fatal collisions had been drinking prior to the collision, as opposed to the average of about one in 20 drivers involved in injury collisions, according to MADD Canada.
During the Canada Day long weekend last year, there were seven people fatally injured in road-related incidents, and there was a total of 101 impaired drivers removed from the roads.
When out celebrating this Canada Day long weekend, the RCMP are reminding motorists that impaired driving is dangerous and criminal, as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgement and reaction time.
The Alberta RCMP uses a Mandatory Alcohol Screening tool, which is used to deter and detect impaired driving, and drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample can be criminally charged. Those with a Graduated Driver's License must follow the zero-tolerance law.
On top of that, the RCMP is reminding motorists that impaired driving is always preventable. Plan ahead to ensure you have a safe ride home, either with a taxi, rideshare service, or a designated driver.
These impaired driving laws apply to all motorized vehicles, which includes boats and off-highway vehicles.
"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," explained Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic, in a media release. "Everyone should be able to make it home safely this Canada Day. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911."