Don’t Drink and Drive
round the holiday’s many people find themselves feeling alone or depressed or are overwhelmed by their busy social calendars.
This can often lead to drinking, which impairs decision-making, cognitive abilities, and more.
For those who plan to drink, it’s important to plan ahead. Use apps like Uber or Driverseat for a designated driver, or find a place to stay where you don’t have to drive.
It isn’t just for your own safety, but for others too and the penalties are severe.
Penalties for a first offense are:
- license suspension (Canada-wide) for an average of one year;
- an average $1,500 fine;
- higher insurance costs; and,
- cross border implications.
According to MADD, up to four Canadians are killed every day due to impaired driving.
In 2014, 2,297 Canadians lost their lives in road crashes. MADD says it’s estimated 1,273 of those were from a crash where at least one driver tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs.
While drinking may have its appeal around the holidays, it’s important to remember, if you are going to drink, plan ahead, and most importantly, don’t drink and drive.
