MADD urges drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride

By Lethbridge Herald on December 23, 2023.

Herald file photo Lethbridge Police Service officers talk to motorists at a Check Stop earlier this season.

With holiday festivities in full swing, MADD Canada is urging Canadians to keep roads safe by preventing impaired driving.

“As you celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year, please make the promise to yourself and your loved ones to never drive impaired and to plan ahead for a sober ride home if you’re consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs,” said MADD Canada National President Tanya Hansen Pratt in a press release.

Impaired driving causes hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year. Everyone has a role to play in preventing these tragedies, according to MADD.

It urges people to never drive impaired. Instead they should call an Uber or a cab, take public transit or arrange a designated driver.;

MADD also recommends people never ride with a driver who is impaired and asks Canadians to call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

“Planning ahead for a sober ride only takes a few minutes and can prevent a lifetime of grief and heartache,” Hansen Pratt said.

Whether attending holiday or New Year’s parties or hosting a party , here are some tips from MADD to celebrate responsibly.

For Party-Goers:

If you’re making the rounds to holiday and New Year’s parties, plan ahead for how you’re getting home. This can be done by booking an Uber, taking a cab or public transportation, arranging a designated driver or spending the night.

For Party Hosts:

Simple precautions you party hosts can take to make sure guests don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or cannabis include

• Have lots of food and non-alcohol/low alcohol beverages available.

• Serve drinks yourself so you can monitor how much your guests are consuming. Don’t serve alcohol to guests who are already intoxicated. Stop serving alcohol long before you expect the party to wind up.

• If guests are consuming cannabis, try to be aware of their consumption / impairment levels.

• Know how guests are getting home and who is driving. If you have Uber in your area, download the app.

• Have taxi numbers available.

• Be prepared to have intoxicated guests spend the night at your house.

Comments are closed.