News release

Alberta RCMP marks National Impaired Driving Prevention Week

March 18, 2026 - Edmonton, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Edmonton – The Alberta RCMP is marking National Impaired Driving Prevention Week. The campaign takes place March 15-21, 2026, and is an opportunity to remind Albertans of the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction.   

Here are the facts:

• Impaired driving, whether by drugs or alcohol, continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. Alcohol, drugs, cannabis, over-the-counter and/or prescription medications can impact your judgment, coordination, and reaction time behind the wheel (Public Safety Canada). Plan ahead and ensure you have a designated driver or a safe ride home. Impaired driving is not just a legal issue—it’s a matter of life and death. 
• Fatigued driving can also present many dangers. At 100 km/h, a driver can travel 150 meters in only six seconds. This means that a driver's eyes need to be closed for only three or four seconds before they could face disastrous consequences (Public Safety Canada).
• Distracted driving can put motorists, passengers and other road users at risk. Texting, switching songs, adjusting a GPS, may seem harmless, but that second where your attention is diverted could result in a motor vehicle collision. 

“Impaired driving is a major threat to public safety. Never operate any motorized vehicle while impaired—this includes motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911 immediately. You never know whose life you could be saving.” 

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