Today (July 1st) the country is blowing out 155 candles on its birthday cake in celebration of Canda Day.

 With pandemic travel restrictions finally easing, the holiday weekend will bring out droves of people heading for holiday destinations throughout North America.  Given the expected increase in traffic brought on by our national holiday and moving with family summer vacations through July and August, RCMP in Alberta are encouraging all motorists to remember the importance of driving sober on the Canada Day weekend and all summer long.  

To help drivers out, Mounties are providing these tips to help you enjoy the long weekend and the entire summer of 2022.  

  •  Never get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Arrange a sober ride to and from your destinations if you are planning on consuming drugs or alcohol.
  • Do not operate off-highway or recreational vehicles while impaired. It is illegal and dangerous.
  • Stand up against impaired driving and encourage others to practice smart driving behaviours.

 In July 2021, many COVID-19 restrictions were still in place but, despite that fact, Insp. Chris Romanchych with the Alberta RCMP Traffic Division says officers were kept busy and, unfortunately, many Albertans died in traffic collisions.

"Alberta RCMP officers removed 638 impaired drivers from the roads. Of the 30 fatal collisions that month (July), eight of those collisions involved a driver who had been impaired.  Despite the known dangers and consequences, people continue to get behind the wheel while impaired. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never safe — however, it is always preventable."

For more traffic safety information you can follow the Alberta RCMP on Facebook or Twitter.  

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com