Statement on the First National Impaired Driving Prevention Week

OTTAWA, March 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness along with Nicola Di Iorio, Member of Parliament for Saint-Léonard-Saint-Michel, released the following statement to mark the first National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, which runs from March 18-24, 2018:

"As we launch the first National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, we encourage all Canadians to be aware of the risks associated with driving while impaired. Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada.

The Government of Canada designated the third week of March as National Impaired Driving Prevention Week following the unanimous adoption of Motion M-148 by the House of Commons in February 2018.

Every day, four Canadians die in a collision involving drugs or alcohol. We must do better. Justice Canada, Transport Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Public Safety Canada are working together to support major road safety efforts related to driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue and distraction.

Last April, the Government of Canada proposed legislation in the House of Commons to strengthen impaired driving laws and to help ensure the public is better protected from both alcohol and drug-impaired driving.  It would also allow police to better deter and detect drug-impaired driving.

In November, the government launched a drug-impaired driving public awareness campaign, to communicate to Canadians the risks associated with driving high and counter the myths and misconceptions about driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs. It has a simple message that sadly too many still need to hear:  Don't drive high!

We are also working with provincial/territorial partners, along with road safety advocates such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Young Drivers of Canada to help raise awareness of the dangers of driving while impaired.

Let's all work together to ensure everyone understands that impaired driving is extremely dangerous and can ruin your life in a heartbeat."

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada