The RCMP is maintaining its zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving during the upcoming Canada Day celebrations in Grande Prairie.
Mounties will be operating throughout the city during the holiday, and to mitigate any potential risks associated with driving under the influence, the RCMP has issued a word of caution ahead of the festivities.
RCMP Media Relations Officer Corporal Mathew Howell says the first step to take is planning ahead and anticipating any unexpected situations, whether or not you plan to celebrate with a drink.
“Always have a plan, that’s your first thing to go through, make sure you have a plan with regards to how you’re getting home, are you walking home, is there someone to pick you up, are you taking a taxi, or is there a designated driver,” he says. “If you go there, you didn’t plan on drinking, and you do drink, you’re best bet is to see if there’s anyone else who did not drink, calling a taxi, using public transit, whatever you can to avoid driving, because once you get behind the wheel and you’ve drank, many things can happen.”
The RCMP has a “zero tolerance” policy for driving over the legal limit, which in Canada is 0.08 BAC; however, Howell says it is generally a dangerous practice regardless of if you feel you are under the limit, and it is best to never get behind the wheel if there is a risk of alcohol influencing your driving. Howell adds that distracted driving in any capacity is an unnecessary risk that can lead to collisions, injuries, traffic tickets, and even the loss of life.
“What we mean by zero tolerance is it is a dangerous thing to do, be it a habit, be it a single incident, you’re driving with capacities that are limited or hindered by the substance so you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road at risk, and that is something we do not tolerate,” he says.
For those who choose not to drink, Howell says defensive driving is key, whether it’s Canada Day or not, whenever you’re on the road. The Corporal says remaining aware of your surroundings, anticipating any dangers on the road, and driving accordingly could make the difference in getting to your destination safely.
“Whenever you’re on the road I always say practice defensive driving, that way, there’s more of a chance you’ll see any oncoming dangers or any issues that could be harmful,” he says. “You can’t control what other people do on the road, you can only control what you do on the road so by practicing defensive driving and knowing your surroundings you’ll be able to better react to what other people do.”
The RCMP issued a series of tips for celebrating safely during long weekends, and a fulsome list of safe driving habits is available on the RCMP’s website.
