This Thanksgiving weekend, Alberta RCMP Traffic is carrying out enforcement initiatives from Oct. 7-10 targeting impaired driving due to drugs, alcohol, distracted driving, and more. These province-wide initiatives are in support of #OperationImpact2022 — an annual awareness campaign organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) to promote safe driving practices.
Last year, there were unfortunately five fatalities and 74 injuries as a result of 53 motor vehicle collisions in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
We ask all motorists to remember the following before taking to the roads:
· Stay sober. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time. Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous.
· Don’t drive drowsy. Getting behind the wheel fatigued limits your ability to pay attention to the road.
· Keep your hands on the wheel. Texting, or handling other devices on your dashboard while driving, forces you to take your eyes off the road. Pre-set your hands-free device, GPS, radio or music and do not make adjustments unless the vehicle is stopped.
· Pull over and put it in park. If you need to text, make a call, or engage in any distracting activity, pull over where it is safe to do so and park your vehicle. Simply coming to a stop at a red light is not safe and is still considered distracted driving.
· Buckle up. Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained using seat belts or child car seats.
Operation Impact’s theme this year is Put Your Best Foot Forward – asking motorists to put the brakes on driving behaviours that put road users at risk. If you witness any dangerous driving or a possible impaired driver this holiday weekend, please call 911. For more traffic safety information, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.