This is National Safe Driving week.
Mounties say from December 1st through the 7th the focus for 2024 is on those who are driving under the influence of cannabis.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, in 2022 nearly a third of Canadians reported using cannabis in the past 30 days. MADD points out from that total, 12 per cent of users drove while believing they were impaired.
Sergeant Darin Turnbull with Alberta RCMP Traffic states that their officers will be focusing on impaired driving enforcement this month. He adds, with all the festivities that December brings Alberta RCMP have checkstops planned all month long and specifically for this Saturday which is National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
Last December, 537 drivers were removed from roadways as a result of being impaired by Alberta RCMP officers. From that total, 49 were under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
RCMP remind everyone that “if you have consumed drugs or alcohol, do not get behind the wheel. Instead find a sober ride home or a safe place to spend the night.”
