Pubdate: Mon, 25 Dec 2006
Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The North Thompson Star/Journal
Contact:  http://www.starjournal.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231

NO QUICK FIX FOR IMPAIRED DRIVERS

There is no quick fix if you drink or use drugs and then get behind 
the wheel of a vehicle. The only thing that reduces the effects of 
alcohol and drug impairment is time.  This holiday season the BCAA 
Traffic Safety Foundation encourages everyone to take some time to 
think about the effects of impaired driving before you mix drinking 
or drugs with driving.

"I am pleased to see the federal government initiative to establish 
tougher legislation for impairment by drugs," says Allan Lamb, 
executive director of the foundation. "It has been clear for years 
that a growing number of fatal crashes involve drivers who have been 
impaired by alcohol and drugs. Many police officers in BC have now 
been trained to detect drug impairment," stated the foundations 
executive director and former police officer.

Driving is impaired when your ability to do so is affected by any 
substance or condition that changes your mood or perception of 
reality.  Alcohol or drugs, illicit or prescription, and even fatigue 
and stress will impair your driving.

There is no quick fix for the damage you can cause if you drive while 
impaired.  You could seriously injure or kill someone; lose your 
license or your car; spend time in jail; or pay stiff fines.

Every week in BC, impaired drivers kill on average two people and 
injure over 60 people. Surveys have shown that, compared to all 
provinces, British Columbians were the most against impaired driving 
yet one in five British Columbians admits to driving after drinking.

The most recent Operation Impact impaired driving campaign reported 
178 criminal drinking offences in BC between Oct. 6 and 9, 2006 
(source: RCMP media statement).

The BCAA TSF has a few suggestions to protect yourself and others if 
you are planning to consume alcohol and, or drugs this holiday season.

Plan Your Night Out -

With so many holiday parties to go to, plan your nights out and avoid 
driving after you've been drinking.  Leave the car at home - public 
transit or taxis are safer options.  If the party is at a friend's 
house, plan to spend the night and drive home the next day after the 
effects of the alcohol have worn off.

Be a designated driver --

Take turns being the designated driver - when it's your turn, stick 
to beverages without alcohol.  This doesn't mean you're left sipping 
ice water while everyone else enjoys a smart cocktail.  Mocktails are 
delicious and refreshing cocktails -- minus the alcohol --for all 
tastes and occasions. Recipes available at 
http://www.bcaatsf.ca/protect_your_loved_ones.

Transportation Alternatives -

If you've already had a few too many, consider letting someone else 
drive you home.  There are many ride alternatives available including 
taxis, calling a friend or family member, as well as free volunteer 
"safe ride home" services like Operation Red Nose. Or call a tow 
truck to take you and your car home. And the public transit NightBus 
service operates 7 nights a week until 4:00 a.m.  Why take the risk, 
when someone else will drive you home safely.

Be a Good Host -

Make sure your friends live to remember the good cheer.  Have a 
variety of alcohol-fee beverages like pop, juice, coffee, tea or even 
trendy mocktails on hand.  Make sure some of the guests have agreed 
to be designated drivers and will not consume any alcohol. If you are 
concerned that any of your guests are impaired, call a taxi or offer 
the spare bed or the couch. A disagreement over safety with a friend 
is better than risking the alternative.

Role Modelling --

Parents, remember your kids watch and learn from you. Like it or not, 
you have a profound influence on them and it's important that you 
demonstrate safe and healthy driving behaviours at all times.  Don't 
drink and drive.

Family Contracts -- Call Home Anytime -

Young people like Christmas parties too.  Often they don't want to 
admit that they or their friends drink or use drugs if it means their 
parents will be angry. To them it's worth the risk to drive or ride 
with a driver who is impaired. A "family contract" agrees that the 
kids can call at any hour for a safe ride home.

Drug Impairment --

Whether it's medications or illegal drugs such as marijuana, be aware 
of anyone who is impaired by something other than alcohol. The 
cocktail of alcohol and drugs can be lethal for all road users.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine