By rdnewsNOW staff

ALBERTANS REMINDED TO...

Drive safe and sober this Canada Day long weekend

Jun 28, 2019 | 6:48 AM

EDMONTON- The Government of Alberta is joining many traffic safety advocates and emergency response organizations in recognizing Impaired Driving Awareness Month during July.

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs puts people at serious risk of injury and death. Cannabis, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as alcohol, especially when taken in any combination.

Daily traffic volumes tend to increase on Alberta highways during long weekends.

During the summer months, long weekends experience about 50% more fatalities and 15% more injuries than the rest of the year.

“The summer season offers travellers the best conditions for safe driving, yet fatal collision rates rise during the summer months, says Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation. “These collisions are preventable, and it’s up to all Albertans to make sure our roads are safe. Please plan ahead this summer and make smart choices. Don’t drive while impaired, and be prepared to make alternate travel plans if consuming drugs or alcohol.”

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Having the prohibited level of alcohol, THC, or other impairing drugs in your blood within two hours of driving is an offence.

On average, 6,000 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year for the last five years (April 2015 to March 2019).

Over a 10-year period, from 2008 to 2017, 855 people died in Alberta as a result of alcohol- or drug-impaired driving, and nearly 13,000 people were injured.

(Government of Alberta)