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.