Tomorrow (December 6) marks National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving during one of the busiest times of the year on Canadian roads.
As holiday festivities ramp up, police across the province are reminding Albertans that safe and sober driving can be the difference between celebration and tragedy.
Throughout the day, RCMP officers and enforcement partners will conduct enhanced patrols, traffic initiatives, and roadside check stops designed to identify and remove impaired drivers. The effort is part of a broader campaign to promote responsible decision-making during the holiday season, when incidents of impaired driving tend to increase.
Manning RCMP is urging residents to take the message to heart by planning ahead and making sober choices before heading out to seasonal events.
Authorities say arranging transportation in advance, selecting a designated driver, staying overnight if necessary, or stepping in to help friends and family avoid driving impaired are all effective ways to prevent harm. Officers also remind the public that impairment isn’t limited to alcohol; drugs and certain medications can also reduce a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Designated drivers are encouraged to remain completely alcohol- and drug-free and take pride in helping others get home safely. Hosts of holiday gatherings can also play a role by offering non-alcoholic drink options and monitoring guests who may be at risk.
“Drinking and driving isn’t just illegal, it’s a selfish choice with potentially catastrophic consequences. One poor decision can irrevocably change many lives, directly and indirectly, in an instant,” said Cpl. David Fogarty of Manning RCMP. “Please help keep our roads safe: don’t drink and drive and celebrate responsibly. We at the Manning RCMP wish you all a safe, joyful, and merry Christmas and a happy new year.”
Police hope that the heightened visibility and enforcement on December 6 will serve as a reminder that impaired driving is preventable—and that making responsible choices can save lives.
