(Montreal) Quebec police services are launching a concerted national operation this Thursday which will target driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs until January 2.
The police interventions which will be carried out in collaboration with road controllers from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) will result in screenings which could be carried out at checkpoints.
In parallel with this operation, an awareness campaign is being deployed, particularly on the various social media platforms of police organizations. This campaign aims to remind drivers of the consequences of driving while impaired.
For its part, the SAAQ will hold an awareness campaign from December 11 to January 11 under the theme “When you drink, you don’t drive.” This campaign will aim to make drivers aware of the risk of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, even in small quantities.
The authorities point out that when drinking, it is better to provide an alternative solution for a safe return such as using a designated driver, taxi, public transportation, a ride service or the hospitality of a close.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reports that between 2017 and 2021, on average, alcohol was a factor in 25% of fatal collisions and in 15% of collisions with serious injuries.
The police remind that only time allows the effects linked to the consumption of alcohol or drugs to dissipate. In addition, the practice of estimating one’s own blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel presents significant risks and should therefore be avoided. And the police insist: the effect of a single consumption should in no case be underestimated.
A national day of road safety operations to counter impaired driving will take place on December 8, throughout Quebec.