Don't be a turkey - stay sober and alert on Alberta roads this Thanksgiving

It's the Thanksgiving weekend which means, even in pandemic times, more people travelling on Alberta roads. 

Through holiday Monday, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services is carrying out enforcement initiatives, targeting impaired driving due to drugs, alcohol, distracted driving, and more. These province-wide initiatives are in support of #OperationImpact2021 — an annual awareness campaign organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to promote safe driving practices.

During the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend, there were five fatalities and 58 injuries as a result of 36 motor vehicle collisions in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions.   Alberta Mounties are asking all motorists to remember these tips before they take to the roads:

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time. Impaired driving is criminal and dangerous.
• Getting behind the wheel fatigued limits your ability to pay attention to the road. Don’t drive drowsy.
• Texting, or handling other devices on your dashboard while driving, forces you to take your eyes off the road. Distracted driving increases your risk of a roadway collision.
• Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained using seat belts or child car seats. Buckling up keeps occupants safe and prevents injury.

Operation Impact’s theme this year is Be a hero. Aim for zero and focuses on Canada's Road Safety Strategy 2025: Towards Zero, which aims to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.

“To ensure everyone can enjoy and celebrate the Thanksgiving long weekend safely, we ask that Albertans practice smart driving behaviours and share the road responsibly,” says Superintendent Gary Graham with Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “This season, the Alberta RCMP is grateful for road users who are doing their part to keep our province’s roadways safe.”

If you see dangerous driving or a possible impaired driver this holiday weekend, please call 911. For more traffic safety information, follow the RCMP on  Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.