Impaired Driving Month, in which the province focuses on the dangers associated with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is coming to a close. For Barrhead RCMP, Sgt. Bob Dodds, it’s always a priority.
“People can expect to see more road-side checks and certainly more interest in our members being focused on this issue on a daily basis,” Dodds said, adding there are transportation options available and residents need to plan out their evening festivities more carefully.
“If they think they are going to have a few drinks, then they need to take that into consideration. Don’t take your car to the bar or restaurant, or wherever it is you’re going. There are taxis available and Barrhead is small enough that you can get anywhere within town limits within 10 to 15 minutes,” he said.
Dodds said alcohol and drugs affect objectivity and the ability to make sound, reasoned decisions.
“That’s when people tend to get into trouble,” he said.
Dodds said penalties depend on the circumstances involved, adding that if a person has previous convictions or higher readings they are going to receive a higher penalty.
“The fines are around $1,000 for a first offense and carry an automatic one-year driving prohibition,” he said. “If your job depends on your mobility, a charge like this can seriously affect your livelihood, and that’s if nobody is hurt, or if there is a serious injury or fatality.”
Dodds said the situation is a life-changer if there are injuries, or fatalities, involved.
“It is not worth it,” he said, adding in his opinion society has gotten smarter about drinking and driving or being under the influence of narcotics while operating a motor-vehicle.
“Thirty years ago it might have been commonplace, but nowadays people understand just how big a mistake it is.”
In Canada, Dodds said, there are roughly 600 murders per year, adding twice as many people are killed by impaired drivers.
“It is a serious problem that people tend to shrug off,” he said.
Dodds recalled a recent event in Airdrie — a man driving a mini-van with three children on-board who blew three times over the legal limit, as well as in the Vegreville area where a 48-year-old man was driving a semi and lost control — are avoidable.
“The message doesn’t always get out, but by-and-large, it does. If you’re going to go have a few drinks, plan ahead and don’t get behind the wheel,” he said.
According to the RCMP, one in five drivers who are involved in a fatal collision had been drinking prior to the accident.
