Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone teamed up with ICBC and Kamloops RCMP today, to remind everyone that if your festivities include raising some glasses of holiday cheer, plan for a safe ride home ahead of time.
“Christmas is about spending quality time with family and friends, and we want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday season,” said Stone. “If your plans include drinking alcohol, please ‘think before you drink’.
“Make a plan for your evening, including arriving to your door safely.
There are lots of options available: arrange for a designated driver, call a cab, take transit, or call Operation Red Nose.”
On Dec. 1, the B.C. government, ICBC, and police launched the annual CounterAttack campaign, which sets up roadchecks throughout the month.
Police throughout the province are looking for impaired drivers at CounterAttack roadchecks this holiday season.
“Kamloops RCMP officers have seen the terrible consequences of impaired driving. Drivers are risking their life and the lives of others when they drive impaired, and the ripple effect that can occur for family and friends is huge,” said Cpl. Jodi Shelkie, media relations officer, Kamloops RCMP. “As well, RCMP officers trained as drug recognition
experts will be working this holiday season. A person who is found to be impaired by drugs while driving is subject to criminal charges.
Stay safe this holiday season and plan in advance for a safe way home.”
While much progress has been made over the years, impaired driving is still one of the top three contributing factors for fatal crashes in B.C.
Throughout B.C., on average, 66 lives are lost each year due to people driving under the influence. In the southern interior, 23 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving each year.
ICBC is helping to prevent impaired driving this holiday season with an education campaign, funding for CounterAttack roadchecks and get home safe promotion with businesses, sports facilities and community groups.
Crashes due to drinking and driving are preventable. If holiday festivities involve alcohol, make a plan before heading out.
Arrange for a designated driver or use other options to get home safely - take transit, call a taxi, call Operation Red Nose at 1-877-604-NOSE, or call a sober friend.
Operation Red Nose is a volunteer service which provides safe rides to drivers and their passengers who are impaired or too tired to drive home during the holiday season.
For holiday season driving tips and more on the CounterAttack campaign, visit: www.icbc.com