Life can change forever in an instant. Someone can take your life in their hands with one poor decision.
After 38-years on the job, RCMP Selkirk Traffic Services officer Sgt. Larry Dalman has seen a lot. The veteran officer can easily remember many cases over the years where lives were taken away and shattered because of impaired drivers.
“The hardest part for me is telling people their loved ones are gone, not because of anything they did, but because one poor decision by someone else sealed their fate. It never gets easy,” said Sgt. Dalman. “The reality is that people don’t get home to their families because of impaired drivers. It will keep happening unless drivers who drink or do drugs hang up their keys.”
Impaired driving is criminal. The reality is that innocent people get hurt and die. Families and friends are collateral victims. The driver ends up with criminal charges that affect their everyday lives. There are no benefits to drinking and driving.
Approximately 40% of fatal crashes that occur in rural Manitoba involve an impaired driver. The RCMP in Manitoba charged about 1700 drivers in 2012 with impaired driving offences.
Impaired driving remains the leading criminal cause of death in Canada.
As the May long weekend is upon us, many motorists will be travelling to visit friends and family. The RCMP will be working hard to keep everyone safe on Manitoba roadways. Drivers are urged to make smart decisions. If you know you will be consuming alcohol – plan ahead. Get a designated driver or spend the night. The best decisions are made sober. If you suspect someone is impaired on the road, contact the police.
Stay safe on the road. Please don’t drink and drive.
