The various police forces in the province began to intensify their interventions on Quebec roads during this first weekend of December, as part of a coordinated national operation (CNO).
Throughout the holiday season and office and friends’ parties, until Jan. 4, police officers and road safety officers from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) will be exercising increased surveillance, particularly targeting impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, or both.
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As every year, there will be numerous police roadblocks and traffic stops.
“Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs remains one of the leading causes of death on Quebec roads. Between 2019 and 2023, on average, alcohol was a factor in 28 per cent of fatal collisions and in 15 per cent of collisions with serious injuries,” states a joint press release from the SAAQ and several police forces, including the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the Association of Quebec Police Directors.
“Several studies show that drivers, when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may tend to underestimate the effect that consumption can have on them,” Sergeant Elizabeth Marquis-Guy, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), emphasized in an interview.
“It’s about reminding motorists of the importance of not driving while impaired. It represents increased risks when they get behind the wheel and are not fit to drive. We are really aiming for the safety of all road users,” said the SQ spokesperson.
Many Quebecers are already aware of the importance of not driving after consuming alcohol, as evidenced by the first statistics of the 42nd Opération Nez rouge, which has already been well underway for a week.
The commitment of 2181 volunteers made it possible to carry out 1848 rides home during this first weekend of activities on Nov. 28th and it continues.
The volunteers of Opération Nez rouge will continue to offer rides home until Dec. 31, thanks to the collaboration of some 40 local organizations in Quebec and partners, such as the SAAQ and Desjardins.
It is still possible to register to become a volunteer on the Nez Rouge website.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
