March 17-23 is National Impaired Driving Prevention Week (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Brady Lang

arrive alive

National Impaired Driving Prevention week focused on community safety

Mar 22, 2019 | 5:00 PM

As National Impaired Driving Prevention week wraps up, the message still stands.

The Battlefords RCMP works jointly with MADD, SADD, local government, school boards, provincial and community organizations in raising awareness, and highlighting the risks of impaired driving. In 2018, 109 drivers, so just over an average of nine per month, were charged with impaired driving.

Since the turn of the calendar year, 18 drivers have been charged with impaired driving by the Battlefords RCMP Staff Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt said that’s average and with the week beginning on March 17, it’s a good start to the conversation.

“People are thinking lake time, cottage time. It’s the beginning of barbecue season. They’re out and doing things, they’re a little bit more active” he said. “With that comes social get-togethers.”

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Woolfitt said there’s nothing wrong with the get-togethers, and soaking up the sun, but the important issue at hand is ensuring the safety of all. When it comes to planning a safe ride home, many options pop up.

Calling a cab, calling a friend, or planning ahead are all good places to start when looking for a safe ride home, if you are enjoying some of Canada’s legal substances. It’s a little different this time around with the legalization of marijuana, but at the same time, it’s all about preparation.

Driving high does still fall under the driving under the influence offence, and it’s still a part of driving impaired. Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, illicit drugs and/or a combination are the root cause for tragedies on our highways. Woolfitt said this issue is bigger than the driver, it’s a matter of keeping the community safe.

“Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable offence. It’s also preventable for the tragedies we see associated with this,” he said. “We need to focus on it as part of our efforts for not only public safety, but community safety.”

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brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangBFN