Quebec provincial police launch campaign against impaired driving

On Thursday, Quebec provincial police launched a national operation targeting alcohol- and drug-impaired driving until January 2.

Police interventions will be carried out in collaboration with Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) roadside inspectors, and may include screening at checkpoints.

In parallel with this operation, an awareness campaign is being deployed on the various social media platforms of police organizations. The campaign is designed to remind drivers of the consequences of impaired driving.

For its part, the SAAQ will be running an awareness campaign from December 11 to January 11 under the theme “When you drink, you don’t drive”. The campaign aims to make drivers aware that it is risky to drive after consuming alcohol, even in small quantities.

Authorities point out that when drinking, it’s best to plan an alternative solution for a safe return, such as using a designated driver, cab, public transit, a drive-home service or the hospitality of a loved one.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reports that between 2017 and 2021, on average, alcohol was involved in 25 per cent of fatal collisions and 15 per cent of serious injury collisions.

Police remind the public that only time can dissipate the effects of alcohol or drug consumption. In addition, they say, the practice of estimating one’s own blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel presents significant risks and should be avoided. Lastly, the police insist that the effect of a single drink should never be underestimated.

A national day of road safety operations to counter impaired driving will be held across Quebec on December 8.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Nov. 30, 2023.