You know you're right in the heart of summer when the August long weekend rolls around. The kids have been out of school for a month now, you're into your summer routine, and there's still a solid month of summer left. It's time to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation – hopefully with some nice weather!
Unfortunately, the August long weekend is not one the New Brunswick RCMP always look forward to. That's because it's been, on record, a very busy one for our members when it comes to impaired driving occurrences.
In 2014, we charged 14 drivers for impaired driving, and issued four seven-day suspensions during the August long weekend. In 2015, we charged 21 drivers for impaired driving and issued six seven-day suspensions during the same period. In 2016, there were 18 drivers charged for impaired driving and 13 received roadside suspensions. You get the idea. We would really like those numbers to be significantly lower this year.
It seems we can never say it enough, so I'll say it again – please don't drink and drive. We're not saying don't enjoy yourselves – we can appreciate cold drink on a warm patio as much as anyone else – but plan your night and how you're getting home safely before you touch that first glass or bottle. Too often, our police officers are called out to deal with the tragic aftermath of what started out as a night of fun. There is always another option than getting behind the wheel impaired.
We've heard all the excuses. Think a taxi is too expensive? Imagine having to pay $1500 in fines and the cost of losing your driver's licence for a year – and that's just for a first offense. Don't want to come back for your car in the morning? Think about what it would mean for your family and friends if you were fined or jailed. It's not that far? Studies have shown that most vehicle crashes happen close to home. You've just had a couple and you feel as though you're okay to drive? Imagine how you'd feel if you seriously hurt or killed another person because you "thought" you were okay. No matter how you look at it, it's not worth the risk.
Another big challenge we have in New Brunswick when it comes to road safety is seatbelt use. In 2016, 20 people who were not wearing their seatbelts lost their lives on roads in our jurisdiction in New Brunswick. That's almost a third of all traffic fatalities in the province that year. Again, our police officers have heard it all – I'm not going far, it's not a big deal, I'm not going to crash so I don't need to worry about it. Most motor vehicle crashes are unexpected, and drivers and passengers have very little time to react before they occur. According to Statistics Canada, properly wearing a seatbelt can reduce your chances of death in a collision by 47%, and can reduce the chances of serious injury by 52%. When you look at statistics like those, why would you not buckle up?
The New Brunswick RCMP will be out on the roads this long weekend, as we are every day, doing what we can to help keep our province safe. Please do your part too by buckling up, reducing your speed, and never driving while impaired. And remember, if you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 as soon as you can safely do so (never while driving!). If you can, provide the 911 operator with a description of the vehicle and driver, a licence plate number, and the direction of travel. Those details can make a big difference in our ability to locate the vehicle and hopefully improve safety for all on the road.
Stay safe, and enjoy the long weekend and the rest of our beautiful summer.