Tis the season to practice road safety

December is often a month full of celebrations with family and friends. If you’re partaking in holiday festivities this season, make sure to plan for a safe ride home.

December 1-7 is National Safe Driving week, and this year focuses on driving under the influence of cannabis. According to MADD Canada, in 2022 nearly a third of Canadians reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, of which 12% of users drove while believing they were impaired.

Last December, Alberta RCMP officers removed 537 drivers from roadways as a result of being impaired. Of those removed, 49 of them were under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. This December, as part of National Safe Driving Week, we’re reminding all Albertans to keep their head out of the clouds. If you have consumed drugs or alcohol, do not get behind the wheel. Find a sober ride home or a safe place to spend the night.

Your Alberta RCMP would like to remind everyone, this December, and always:

• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is never okay. Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous.

• Impaired driving is always preventable and can always be avoided. Call a taxi or rideshare service, use a designated driver, or stay the night.

• Party hosts aren’t off the hook. If you’re guests have been drinking or using drugs, make sure they have a safe place to stay, or a sober ride home.

• Individuals with a Graduated Driver’s Licence must abide by the zero-tolerance law (Government of Alberta, 2023).

• Call 911 immediately if you witness or suspect impaired driving.

 “Alberta RCMP officers will be focusing on Impaired Driving enforcement this month,” says Sgt. Darin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “With all the festivities that December brings, we have planned checkstops all month long and 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 911 immediately. You never know whose life you could be saving.”