Driver fitness
Are you fit to drive?
Alcohol and drugs, some medications,
stress, fatigue (mental, emotional, and
physical), and lack of sleep will impair your
judgment and ability to responsibly and
safely operate a vehicle.
Alcohol, and prescription and over-thecounter
medications also can impair your
judgment and vehicle-handling ability.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be deadly. It can be caused by:
lack of sleep or rest
emotional stress
boredom
driving for long periods of time
physical activity
illness
eye strain
Overeating, use of alcohol or drugs,
or a warm vehicle can increase the
effects of fatigue.
Fatigue can increase the time it takes you
to react. It can also impair your judgment
and decision-making. This can result in
driving errors like driving off the road or
into another lane or oncoming traffic. You
may not realize that you are in a dangerous
situation or be able to react quickly.
To reduce the risk, do the following:
Be sure you are well rested before you
start your trip.
Keep your vehicle at a comfortable
temperature. Make sure it is
well ventilated.
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Keep your eyes moving by scanning
the road ahead and behind. Stay alert
to your surroundings and check your
vehicles gauges.
Use sunglasses on bright days.
If you are feeling tired, stop for a rest.
Walk around your vehicle.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol
or taking drugs.
Drugs and medications
Some prescription and non-prescription
(over-the-counter) medications can
have an impairing affect on your vehiclehandling
ability, judgment and responsible
decision-making when operating
a vehicle. Side effects can include
drowsiness or dizziness.
Talk with your doctor and pharmacist.
Know the effects of all prescription and
over-the-counter medication you are taking
before operating any motor vehicle. Know
what the effects of alcohol or drugs will be
if you combine them with your medication.
Alcohol
Choosing to consume alcohol while
operating a motor vehicle is a decision that
carries a very high risk.
Drinking alcohol before and while
driving continues to be a major cause of
traffic deaths and injuries in Alberta.
From 2004 to 2008, each year
approximately 110 people died and
another 1,900 were injured in collisions
related to alcohol on Alberta highways.
Impairment begins with the first drink. It
is important that all drivers understand the
risks of drinking and driving, as well as the
laws and penalties involved.
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