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Five things you should know about Impaired Driving

Too many risks, no rewards for impaired driving
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The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has identified impaired driving as an organizational priority. The RCMP is committed to Canadians and ensuring their safety by increasing our efforts to prevent drinking and driving.

Each year thousands of Canadians are injured or killed by impaired drivers. The RCMP asks you to drive safely and arrive alive.

The RCMP encourages people to choose not to drink and drive. Plan ahead and use a designated driver.

The RCMP asks you to report impaired drivers on the road by calling 911. Help prevent impaired driver related collisions.

It is important for people to realize that alcohol affects people in different ways. Factors such as diet, fatigue, and prescriptions drugs can change how alcohol affects an individual. It is possible to be considered impaired even if you have a Blood Alcohol Content below 0.08. Know your limits and if you are going to drink have a designated driver.

Driving after using drugs, even prescription drugs, is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Drug Recognition Experts can determine that you’re under the influence of a drug and you can be charged with drug-impaired driving.

Impaired driving and youth

Alcohol impaired driving is driving while impaired by alcohol. Everyone reacts differently to alcohol. Some people feel happy, some are sad, and some just get really sleepy. Alcohol reduces your ability to drive safely. Drinking can compromise your judgment and increase your risk of getting into a collision.

Drug impaired driving is driving while impaired by drugs. This includes legal, illegal, prescription, or even over-the-counter drugs. Different drugs have different effects on your brain and body. For example, some may slow your reaction time while others may increase risk-taking behaviour or impair your coordination.

Even small amounts can reduce your ability to drive safely and increase your chances of being involved in a crash. Learn more about the effects of drug-impaired driving.

-Submitted by RCMP