This release was issued under a previous government.

Impaired driving kills more than 90 Albertans each year

Drivers in fatal collisions were five times more likely than those in injury collisions to have consumed alcohol. On average each year over the past five years, 80 people were killed and more than 1,250 were injured in collisions involving a drinking driver.

“Driving is a complex task and it really does demand all of your attention. Impairment makes it all that more difficult. This holiday season, if you are going out for an evening which may include having a few drinks, have a plan; arrange to have a sober friend drive you home, call a taxi or take public transit.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

“Throughout the upcoming festive season, Integrated Traffic Units consisting of Sheriffs and RCMP officers throughout the province will have an increased presence on our highways. We will be stopping vehicles, screening drivers and apprehending those who are impaired.”

Rick Gardner, Deputy Director, Alberta Sheriffs Traffic Operations

Impaired driving comes in many forms – alcohol, drugs (including over-the-counter, prescription and illegal), distraction, and fatigue.

Impaired Driving Facts

  • Males aged 20 – 21 were most likely to have consumed alcohol prior to a crash.
  • Male drivers were four times more likely than female drivers to have consumed alcohol prior to a crash.
  • The most casualty collisions involving alcohol occur on the weekends. The most likely time period for these collisions, on any day of the week, is between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.
  • During 2014, one in six drivers involved in fatal collisions had been drinking prior to the collision. This compares to one in 30 drivers involved in injury collisions. As the severity of the collision increases, so does the likelihood the collision will involve a drinking driver.
  • It is estimated that about 20 per cent of fatal collisions in Canada involve driver fatigue.
  • Research indicates that driver distraction contributes to 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions.  
  • Across Canada, one third of fatally injured drivers tested were found to have consumed drugs.
2014 Impaired Driving Stats