For years, impaired driving campaigns have focused vital attention on the tragic impacts of drinking and driving. But as Wetaskiwin marks National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, through March 25, it’s a timely reminder that impairment can come from other factors, too.
Marked each March, the week emphasizes the importance of educating Canadians about the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction; all can impact judgment, co-ordination and reaction time behind the wheel.
It’s a message Wetaskiwin RCMP will be sharing with drivers.
“We will be out during National Impaired Driving Week and looking for impaired drivers, including those impaired by alcohol, but also cannabis, illegal substances, or by other distractions,” says Wetaskiwin RCMP Const. Cory Schultz.
Impaired driving by alcohol or drugs continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime, and it remains the most important factor contributing to serious road crashes. In 2020 alone in Alberta, 27 people were killed and 477 were injured in impaired driving collisions. From 2016 to 2020, on average, each year 38 people were killed and 535 people were injured in collisions involving impaired driving.
Nationally, recent statistics also show the number of police-reported drug-impaired driving incidents – whether from illegal drugs, cannabis, over-the-counter or prescription medications – have increased by 43 per cent from 2019 to 2020.
According to the Alberta Motor Association, “despite the penalties and growing awareness about the risks, distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of collisions in Alberta.” In fact, drivers who drive distracted are eight times more likely to be in a crash or near-crash event compared with non-distracted drivers, the Canadian Automobile Association points out.
It’s important to note that impairment isn’t only dangerous on the roads. Motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles and other forms of transportation also pose significant dangers when driven by someone who is impaired, putting themselves and others at serious risk.
Tips to drive safe
• Plan ahead: If you know you’ll be indulging in alcohol, cannabis or other impairing substance, plan to stay safe, whether that’s arranging for a ride, a designated driver, putting a bus pass in your pocket or staying the night. You’re more likely to follow through with a plan if it’s already an established part of your evening.
To help prevent distracted driving, plan your route ahead of time, know where you’re going and how you’ll get there, and if you use GPS, program your route before getting in the car.
• Take turns being a designated driver: If you’re part of a group that gets together regularly, take turns being the sober friend.
• Put your cell phone away: Out of sight, out of mind is good advice here. Turn the ringer off and keep it in a bag to reduce the temptation.
• Avoid other distractions: Keep passenger chatter to a minimum, keep the radio at a reasonable volume, secure pets and don’t eat or drink while driving.
For more ways to reduce the risk of impaired driving, the RCMP shares tips about not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while distracted or fatigued.