DRUGS, DRIVING NOT A GOOD MIX DURING FESTIVE SEASON

There is no quick fix if you use drugs and then get behind the wheel
of a vehicle.

The only thing that reduces the effects of 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 drugs as well as drinking with driving.

"I am pleased to see the federal government initiative to establish
tougher legislation for impairment by drugs," said Allan Lamb,
executive director of the foundation and a former police officer.

"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 B.C. have now been trained to detect drug
impairment."

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.

Here are a few suggestions to protect yourself and others if you are
planning to consume alcohol and, or drugs during this holiday season:

Plan Your Night Out -- With so many holiday parties to go to, plan
your nights out and avoid driving after you have 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 are 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.

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. 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.

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.

The cocktail of alcohol and drugs can be lethal for all road users.