With the holidays in full swing, you’re being reminded to drive safe and sober.

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs puts people at serious risk of injury and death.

Cannabis, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as alcohol, especially when taken in combination.

In a release, Minister of Transportation Ric McIver says one of the great joys is celebrating with friends and family.

“It’s up to all Albertans to make sure our roads are safe. Please plan ahead and make smart choices: don’t drive while impaired, and plan a safe ride home following holiday celebrations,” McIver said.

Between April 2015 and March 2019, an average of 6,000 people were convicted for impaired driving in Alberta.

In addition to driving impaired, there are separate offences of having specified prohibited levels of alcohol, cannabis or certain other drugs in the blood within two hours of driving.

In Alberta, and in most Canadian jurisdictions, a driver with a blood-alcohol level between .05 and .079 may face provincial consequences through the Immediate Roadside Suspension Program.

Cannabis limits are measured by detecting minute traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the bloodstream, referred to as nanograms.

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