A recent press release from the Ministry of Justice is asking everyone to be a giving driver this holiday season, not a Grinchy one. As British Columbians make their way to shops and social events this month, the Province is asking everyone to give the gift of safer roads in their communities, noted the release.
Give someone a ride Give the gift of a worry-free night out and keep your friends and family safe. Volunteering to be a designated driver costs almost nothing and it can save lives.
Give your keys to a friend It's best to make plans for a way home before you go out. But if you do end up enjoying a spontaneous holiday celebration with alcohol, do not risk driving. The risk of being in a fatal crash is, on average, seven times greater at a blood alcohol content (BAC) between .05 and .08, compared with driving sober. Hire a taxi, take the bus, or carpool.
Give fellow road users a break Allow plenty of time to get to your destination and ease up on the gas pedal. Speed is the number 1 road safety problem contributing to approximately 35 per cent of all fatal crashes in B.C. Give your cellphone a rest Leave your cellphone out of reach where it cannot tempt you, or give it to a friend to answer while you are driving.
Using a handheld electronic device while driving is extremely dangerous and against the law in B.C. In addition to a fine of $167, emailing or texting while driving brings three penalty points against the driver's licence.
Driving while affected by alcohol or drugs, speeding and distracted driving remain the top three causes of road fatalities in B.C.
