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By Josh Hall

don't be an idiot!

Red Deer RCMP recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Week

Mar 20, 2026 | 5:25 PM

Red Deer RCMP are recognizing National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, which runs March 15-21.

• Impaired driving, whether by drugs or alcohol, continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. It also remains the single most important factor contributing to serious road crashes. Recent statistics show that the number of police reported drug-impaired driving (DID) incidents have increased by 43% from 2019 to 2020. Alcohol, drugs, cannabis, over-the-counter and/or prescription medications can impact your judgment, coordination, and reaction time behind the wheel (Public Safety Canada)
• Fatigued driving is the dangerous combination of driving and sleepiness or fatigue. At 100 km/h, a driver can travel 150 meters in only six seconds. This means that a driver’s eyes need to be closed for only three or four seconds before they could face disastrous consequences (Public Safety Canada).
• 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.

RCMP add that impaired driving does not just apply to cars, but to motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other forms of transportation. Never operate a motorize vehicle while impaired. They say drivers should do everything in their power to be alert behind the wheel. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911.