It’s the Labour Day long weekend, and Saint John police want to make sure everyone has fun, safely.
Sgt. Mike McCaig, head of the traffic division, is reminding motorists to wear seat belts, refrain from using cellphones while driving, and most importantly, don’t drive impaired.
“Driving while impaired, it limits your ability to control your vehicle, and your awareness isn’t at its peak,” he said.
“It’s the last long weekend, so we want everybody to enjoy it and have a good time. It’s back to school soon. We just don’t want any sad stories as a result of someone’s poor decision with drugs and alcohol.”
During last year’s long weekend, police arrested and charged four motorists with drinking and driving.
McCaig says he doesn’t want a repeat. He adds there are alternatives, such as taking a cab or having a designated driver.
He says not only are impaired drivers risking their lives, but they’re also putting their passengers and other drivers on the road at risk of life-threatening injury or death.
McCaig says it’s not just alcohol impairment they are on the lookout for — cannabis is also dangerous.
“The police have conducted roadside tests on individuals under the influence of marijuana, and people have been charged for impaired driving while under the influence of drugs,” he said.
As of August 26th, Saint John Police have arrested and charged 78 motorists with drinking and driving — four more than the same time last year.
