Traffic safety tips

December’s traffic safety focus is Impaired Driving.

Don’t let impairment steal your holiday joy

‘Tis the season of celebration, but it’s also the time to keep safety at the top of your list. This month’s traffic focus is impaired driving — because everyone deserves to make it home safely for the holidays.

Be informed about the laws and how alcohol and cannabis use affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Before you raise a glass or light up this season, remember:

  • Alcohol and cannabis both impair your ability to drive — and when you use them together, they’re even more dangerous.
  • Most serious collisions involving alcohol happen on weekends between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.
  • Cannabis use within several hours of driving doubles your risk of a crash.

Related information

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Alcohol and driving

What affects your blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?

  • your sex and weight
  • an empty stomach
  • medications
  • mood or fatigue level
  • the rate of consumption

Some people can be impaired even after consuming a small amount of alcohol. It’s important to assess your ability to drive regardless of how much you consume. The only safe level is zero consumption. 

Cannabis and driving

Effects may be harder to spot than alcohol, but they’re just as serious and every bit as impairing. Research has found that driving within several hours of consuming cannabis increases the risk of a crash that can result in injury or death.

Cannabis is the most common drug found in drivers aged 16 to 19.

Effects include:

  • Reduced ability to divide your attention between your speed, other traffic, pedestrians and weather.
  • Poor time and space management which slows down your reaction time if conditions change (a car stopping suddenly in front of you)

Find a designated driver

Give the gift of safety this holiday season: Plan ahead. Choose a designated driver, call a taxi, Uber, or Keys Please.

Let’s share the road safely and look out for each other

For more information including penalties and blood concentration levels for alcohol and cannabis levels, visit Calgary Police Service.

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