Is it your turn to be the designated driver?
Last week, the province, police and ICBC launched the December impaired driving CounterAttack campaign, and that’s the question they want drivers to ask themselves this holiday season. Plan for a safe ride home and share the responsibility of being the designated driver to help make sure your friends and family get home safely.
Police will be conducting CounterAttack roadchecks across the province in December to raise awareness and help reduce impaired driving crashes. On average, 127 lives are lost in impaired-related crashes each year in B.C.*
“Celebrating with family and friends is an important part of the holidays,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “And getting home safely should be part of everyone’s holiday planning. We know that B.C.’s tougher impaired driving laws are working – 45 fewer people have lost their lives since the legislation was introduced last year. We are making great progress and we are committed to building on that success.”
“Police will be out in full force across the province conducting CounterAttack road checks,” said Chief Constable Jamie Graham, Victoria Police and Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “As police officers, we see the heartbreaking effects of impaired driving all too often, and we know how easily it can be prevented.”
“We want everyone to enjoy their holiday season festivities with friends and family, but do it responsibly – plan ahead for a safe ride home,” said Jon Schubert, ICBC’s president and CEO. “There are so many alternatives. Set an example – take your turn to be the designated driver. Your smart driving decisions can have a significant influence on others.”
ICBC supports CounterAttack through enhanced police enforcement and an awareness campaign, and provides CounterAttack materials to businesses, sports facilities and community groups to help prevent impaired driving.
For holiday season driving tips and more on the CounterAttack campaign, visit icbc.com.
*Annual averages from 2005-2009 police-reported data. Impaired-driving related data includes alcohol, illegal drugs and medicine.
