NORTH GRENVILLE – With the holiday season in full swing, the North Grenville Police Services Board is reminding everyone to drive safely.
“No amount of alcohol or drugs is safe when driving. As you make plans for the holidays and year-round, please remember to plan ahead to ensure you arrive home safely, and encourage others to do the same,” emphasised Mayor Nancy Peckford.
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death on Ontario’s roads. Every year, almost 11,000 drivers in Ontario are suspended for convictions related to impaired driving. One impaired driver is too many.
A person's ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired when they consume alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two.
Alcohol — even one drink — can reduce a person’s ability to react to things that happen suddenly. The effects of alcohol also include blurred or double vision, impaired attention and slowed reflexes.
Many drugs, even those prescribed by a doctor or purchased over-the-counter, can impair one’s ability to drive safely. Smoking, vaping or eating cannabis can increase the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Young, novice drivers are reminded that under the Ontario’s zero-tolerance law, it is illegal to have any presence of alcohol or cannabis in their system while driving, or they will face severe consequences and potential criminal charges.
Don’t not take a chance. If you’re drinking alcohol or using cannabis, plan another way home, have a designated driver, or call a friend or loved one. And never get into a car with someone who has been drinking or using cannabis or let a friend and family member drive impaired.
“Let’s all do our part to keep our roads safe, and prevent tragic deaths and injuries caused by impaired driving,” added Councillor John Barclay, Chair of the North Grenville Police Services Board.
If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.
The Road Safety public awareness campaign aims to promote safe driving behaviours and make roads in North Grenville safer for all users.
For more details visit: www.northgrenville.ca/roadsafety.
