Students in Lac La Biche craft messages about impaired driving on local liquor store bags

Students in Lac La Biche are reminding drivers, don’t drink and drive this holiday season by crafting messages on local liquor store bags.

The holiday season is fast approaching and residents of Lac La Biche will be getting ready to spend time with family and friends, which often involves travelling throughout our community and surrounding areas.

In Alberta, 1 in 5 fatal motor vehicle collisions involve impaired drivers. The RCMP will be conducting check stops throughout the area and county on various dates throughout the month of December and motorists can expect to see a heightened police presence focusing on impaired drivers. When approaching a check stop, Officers ask everyone to drive safely and obey the direction of the officers at all check-stops.

Impaired driving is a national priority and the Alberta RCMP and Lac La Biche County have a strong focus on safe driving practices and are committed to keeping our communities safe.  Officers remind drivers that consuming alcohol or drugs and deciding to get behind the wheel is never a good combination and is a danger to everyone on the road.

If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic offence or at a check stop, Mandatory Alcohol Screening should be expected. Drivers suspected of drug impairment will be subject to road-side tests. These screenings could result in criminal charges or license suspension through roadside sanctions.

Here are some tips to enjoy the holiday celebrations and to get home safely:

• If you have consumed alcohol or drugs – don’t drive
• Plan ahead for safe transportation
• Make arrangements for a designated driver
• Set money aside to take a taxi
• Call a sober friend or family member to pick you up

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 and provide the following information:

• State your location
• Provide a description of the vehicle, driver, licence plate number, make, model, and colour of the vehicle, if possible.
• Provide the direction of travel or the area where the vehicle was last seen.

Make the right choice so that everyone can have a safe and joyful holiday season.

Throughout December, Lac La Biche County Peace Officers will be working with the RCMP and Alberta Highway Sheriffs to educate motorists on the dangers of impaired driving, while continuing to remove impaired drivers from our roadways.

One of these initiatives is connecting with local youth to help spread the message, don’t drink and drive.

“Peace Officers will also be educating youth on the importance of not driving impaired, while helping them carry this message home to their families,” Lac La Biche County stated. “Students will craft messages about impaired driving on bags, which will then be given to local liquor establishments.”

Liquor stores will supply the bags to customers, reminding everyone to be responsible during the holiday season and not drive if they have been drinking.

Don’t let cheers turn into tears. Don’t drink and drive.