Driving impaired has consequences: Stay sober to get to your destination safely

By December 20, 2024December 24th, 2024Food for thought, Issues

The City of Mississauga reminds drivers to stay sober while driving to prevent collisions.

December 13, 2024

While there’s a lot to celebrate this time of year, it’s important to do so responsibly. Road collisions due to impaired driving continue to be a problem in Mississauga. Through the holiday season, the rate of collisions due to impaired driving is higher. That’s why the City is partnering with Peel Regional Police to remind drivers to be responsible by staying sober or finding a safe alternative.

Warning! Driving impaired destroys lives. Make the right choice.

Alcohol and drug use

Driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis is dangerous for yourself, your passengers as well as other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. A collision that results in a fatality or serious injury has significant consequences to those involved and their loved ones.

Driving impaired is dangerous as even minimal amounts can affect your driving skills. Driving requires full control over your mind and body, and requires you to be alert so you can make quick decisions. When you drink or consume drugs, it can disrupt your ability to focus, affecting your risk perception, motor skills, reaction time, decision-making abilities and overall co-ordination.

Impaired driving in Mississauga

According to Peel Regional Police, impaired driving (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) continues to be a concern in Mississauga. From January 1 to November 30, 2024, there were 89 collisions that involved impaired drivers on Mississauga roads.

Peel Regional Police has launched their Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) program to help address impaired driving. R.I.D.E. checks are conducted throughout the year, but the holiday campaign includes increased enforcement levels and additional officer deployment. The program has already checked more than 4,600 vehicles and will continue to early January. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911 to report it.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or certain drugs is a serious offence. You put yourself at risk of immediate license suspension, hefty fines, education or treatment programs and even vehicle impoundment. Penalties can vary depending on your age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, and how many times you have been convicted or had your licence suspended.

Stay safe while out on the roads

Whether you’re walking, cycling, taking transit or driving, it’s important that you stay extra alert when travelling around the city to your destination.

If you’re planning to drive – stay sober. If you’d like to consume alcohol or cannabis, plan an alterative way home. You can designate a driver, use MiWay to get around or use a rideshare program or taxi.

If you’re walking, cycling or taking transit, remember to stay alert and be aware, especially when crossing intersections. Make sure to use a crosswalk or crossride when possible.

To learn more about impaired driving, visit peelpolice.ca/en/safety-tips/road-safety.aspx

Learn more about road safety in Mississauga: mississauga.ca/roadsafety