(Montreal) Quebec police advise that a concerted nationwide effort will target driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs by January 2nd.
Posted at 7:58 am.
Police operations carried out in collaboration with road inspectors from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) lead to checks that could be carried out at checkpoints.
In parallel to this action, an awareness campaign will be carried out, particularly on the various social media platforms of police organizations. The aim of this campaign is to remind drivers of the consequences of driving while impaired.
The SAAQ is running an awareness campaign on the topic “If you drink, you don’t drive” until January 11th. The aim of this campaign is to remind people that it is risky to drive after consuming alcohol, even in small quantities.
The authorities point out that if alcohol is consumed, it is better to find an alternative solution for a safe return, such as: B. using a designated driver, a taxi, public transport, a car service or entertaining a loved one.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reports that between 2017 and 2021, alcohol played a role in an average of 25% of fatal crashes and 15% of serious injury crashes.
For its part, the SAAQ adds that 43% of drivers aged 16 to 24 who died in an accident in Quebec between 2013 and 2017 had alcohol in their blood. And nearly one in five alcohol-related crimes in 2017 were committed by drivers aged 16 to 24, despite making up just 8% of license holders in Quebec.
The police remind that the effects associated with the consumption of alcohol or drugs can only diminish over time. In addition, measuring your own blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel poses significant risks and should therefore be avoided.
And the police emphasize: The effect of a single consumption should not be underestimated.