Arrive Alive: Drive Safe Tips For The Holiday Season

Tis’ the season, for celebrations and getting together. It’s also the time of year when accidents due to impaired driving increase, dramatically.

This season, play it safe and arrive alive with these seven tips on safe driving during the holidays.

Designate

If you’re planning on going out to a party, designate a non-drinking driver before you leave. Preparing ahead of time means you won’t need to worry about getting home.

Transit

Public transportation may not be glamourous, but you’ll get home safe and sound. If you can afford it, consider pre-booking a pickup taxi or car service to travel in style. And if you’re in Toronto on New Year’s Eve, remember transit fares are typically waived from 7:00 p.m. Dec 31st until 7:00 a.m. Jan 1.

Ask

If you know you’ll be drinking during a party, ask ahead of time for a ride home. A friend, neighbor, or family member will be happy to bring you back home, knowing you’ll arrive safely.

Buzz

Remember, if you’re buzzed, you’re too drunk to drive. You don’t need to cross the legal limit of 0.08 to be impaired. Don’t risk your life or the lives of others on the road. Grab a cab.

Drive

If you do drive, don’t use your cell phone while you’re driving. Fatalities due to texting and driving are increasing every year. Don’t add to a tragic statistic.

Decline

If someone offers you a ride, but you know they’ve been drinking, decline. And don’t forget to encourage the driver to share your taxi or take public transit with you.

Impaired Drivers

If you notice a car on the road you suspect has an impaired driver note the model and make of the car, the color of the vehicle, and the direction it’s travelling. If you can, try to remember the license plate number. Don’t reach for your phone to take a photo.

When it’s safe for you to do so, pull off the road and call the police. Provide the details you noted above.

The holidays are a time for celebrating. Enjoy yourself. Be happy. Be safe.