The lights are being strung, sales are on, and Santa magically appears in public places throughout Greater Victoria, listening to wish lists; yes, Christmas is upon us.
With the season come the parties and, in turn, the increased alcohol consumption.
It’s sad that every year, we must remind people of the alternative transportation options available to curb impaired driving. Unfortunately, many people will read this and pay no heed.
Police throughout the Capital Region have begun their Winter CounterAttack program, and that means if you are convicted of drinking and driving, you will be in line for a hefty fine, confiscation of your driver’s licence, inconvenience, and a criminal record. It will cost you a lot, and it is not worth it. Would you pay more than $500 per drink? It’s no way to celebrate the holidays. Designate a driver, take a cab, call a friend, or stay – pretty simply.
Either that or suffer the consequences. You might beat the charge - plenty of lawyers are willing to fight for you at a price. But an impaired driving charge is not the worst-case scenario, not a long shot.
Lives are at stake here – yours, and those of innocent victims: the four-year-old that dies when you fall asleep at the wheel; the two children you just orphaned by T-boning their parents when you sped through that red light; the newlywed wife who just became a widow.
Sound harsh? That’s reality. People will be orphaned, crippled and widowed this Christmas season at the hands of drunk drivers. There is only one thing you can do to ensure you are not the cause of any such tragedy.
Think about it before having that second eggnog or ordering that wine with dinner.
Make alternative arrangements.
Let’s keep Greater Victoria safe this Christmas season.
ALSO READ: Police stop impaired driver going 152 km/h on the Malahat