A recent poll published by Mainstreet/Postmedia suggests 1 in 5 Albertans would consider driving while drunk or on drugs on a quiet road or for a short distance. The issue of impaired driving is something the Bonnyville RCMP are very familiar with.
Sgt. Sarah Parke with the detachment says 236 investigations have been opened for impaired driving in the town this past year. 58 of those led to charges being laid. Parke says that works out to one person being charged with a DUI in Bonnyville every six days. That’s only people caught in the act.
Parke wishes to remind the public on the dangers of driving under the influence. “Choseing to drive while you’re impaired can get you a criminal record and will cost you your freedom, your dignity, your job, your chance at future employment or even your life. If police determine that your ability to operate a vehicle has been impaired by alcohol or drugs – even if your blood alcohol concentration is below 80 milligrams – you can still be charged with impaired driving. If you are charged with an alcohol-related offence, you will lose your license automatically until the outcome of your court proceedings have completed.”
On average, 7,700 people are convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year. “Impaired driving does impose enormous costs on our society. Families, the healthcare system, insurance companies, the legal system and the general public all pay the price for impaired drivers. Drivers who chose to drink and drive face not only face killing themselves, their friends or someone else, but also very serious legal, social and financial consequences. If you drink and drive your luck will eventually run out and you will get caught. Or worse yet, you may be involved in a severe collision that harms someone you love.”