(RCMP/File photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

hoping for zero fatalities, unlike 2021

RCMP implore safe driving this long weekend

Oct 7, 2022 | 5:20 PM

Now’s a good a long weekend as any to practice safe driving, with Alberta RCMP conducting Operation Safe Impact 2022.

According to police, there were five fatalities and 74 injuries as a result of 53 MVCs over the Thanksgiving long weekend last year.

From Oct. 7-10, RCMP will carry out targeted enforcement against impaired driving and distracted driving.

The initiative is organized each year by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) to promote safe driving practices

RCMP ask all motorists to remember the following before taking to the roads:

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· Stay sober. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time. Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous.

· Don’t drive drowsy. Getting behind the wheel fatigued limits your ability to pay attention to the road.

· Keep your hands on the wheel. Texting, or handling other devices on your dashboard while driving, forces you to take your eyes off the road. Pre-set your hands-free device, GPS, radio or music and do not make adjustments unless the vehicle is stopped.

· Pull over and put it in park. If you need to text, make a call, or engage in any distracting activity, pull over where it is safe to do so and park your vehicle. Simply coming to a stop at a red light is not safe and is still considered distracted driving.

· Buckle up. Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained using seat belts or child car seats.

“Operation Impact’s theme this year is Put Your Best Foot Forward – asking motorists to put the brakes on driving behaviours that put road users at risk,” a release says.

If you witness any dangerous driving or a possible impaired driver this holiday weekend, please call 911. For more traffic safety information, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.