National Impaired Driving Prevention Week

Mar 21, 2023

Edmundston Police Force reminds you that National Impaired Driving Prevention Week is the third week of March, each year. It is always important to educate the population about the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol and/or drugs, which destroys the lives and health of thousands of Canadians each year.

Remember that impaired driving doesn't just apply to cars – it also applies to motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other forms of transportation. Everyone has a role to play to ensure safety on our roads, trails, and waterways. It puts everyone at risk, including passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.

Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. It also remains the single most important factor contributing to serious road crashes. Furthermore, recent statistics show that the number of police reported drug-impaired driving (DID) incidents have increased by 42% from 2019 to 2020. It's important to know that even one drink of alcohol can reduce your reaction time, blur, or double your vision, impair your reflexes, and alter your attention span.

In addition, many car accidents involving teenagers are due to inexperience and poor judgment. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs further increases the risk of fatal and non-fatal car crashes. Parents play an important role in explaining to their teenagers that they must drive responsibly and that it is important never to get in a car with someone who is impaired by alcohol or drugs. (Source : Government of Canada)

Thanks for driving sober.

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CONTACT: Edmundston Police Force, 506.739.2100