With the holiday season and winter weather upon us, Islanders are reminded to drive with extra caution and to never drive while impaired, says Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey.
“During the holidays many Islanders are busy travelling to parties or visiting friends and families. During this time it’s important that they adjust their driving for the current conditions and slow down when snow and ice are on the roads,” said the minister. “And, of course, Islanders should make alternate arrangements for travel if they are drinking.”
National Safe Driving Week is December 1-7. Highway Safety’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers have enlisted the help of Island police agencies to conduct check points in different communities to support safe driving practices during this week.
National Safe Driving Week is an annual event coordinated by the Canada Safety Council. This year, the council is reminding drivers that operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs has deadly outcomes. Recommendations from the council include:
• Be responsible. Never drive when impaired.
• Do not combine drugs and alcohol.
• Do not use illegal drugs.
• Do not use drugs of any variety to get high.
• Know the side effects of your medications. Read the inserts that come with your medications and speak with your pharmacist about the drugs’ possible impacts on your driving abilities.
• Be aware that drugs interact with each other. Review your list of medications with your pharmacist.
“There is no excuse for driving after drinking or using other drugs. That’s why our government recently introduced tougher penalties for impaired drivers,” said the minister. “We know that the deadly combination of drugs and driving is a growing concern. The department is committed to taking steps to increase education, enforcement and penalties around driving while under the influence of drugs.”