Police target impaired driving in December

We are stepping up enforcement on impaired driving throughout December, in alignment with the Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar.

Impaired driving continues to be a major contributing factor to collisions in Alberta. Of the 35 fatal collisions in Calgary so far this year, impairment was a factor in at least five of them.

“Every impaired driving collision is preventable and we are working tirelessly to avoid more tragedies,” says Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the CPS Traffic Unit. “While we are stepping up enforcement, we want to remind people in our community that we can all play a part in education and awareness. Choosing to drive sober, or helping someone else make that choice, can mean the difference between someone coming home safely, or not at all.”

We urge everyone in our community to:

• Never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver
• Make arrangements if you are going to be drinking or consuming cannabis:
  • Arrange for a designated driver
  • Call a taxi, a rideshare or a driver’s alternative service
  • Take public transit
  • Stay the night

While police checkstops happen year-round, this month, our community can expect to see an increase in impaired-driving checkstops to help keep our roads safe.

Police can stop drivers at random and conduct roadside test for alcohol or drugs, even without suspicion of impairment. People who drive impaired risk criminal charges and loss of their driver’s licence.

Impaired driving statistics

Fatal collisions (2021-2025)

*Numbers may change due to toxicology report processing timelines

Charges laid and sanctions (2021-2025)