T'S that magical time of year when reindeer learn to fly and mid-sized sedans sprout antlers while a bright red nose blooms on the grille.
I Operation Red Nose is currently looking for volunteers to help impaired drivers get home safely this Christmas season. Traditionally, poor weather conditions, limited visibility, and the plethora of cocktails served at office parties and holiday gatherings have made December one of the most dangerous months on the road.
In a bid to make the winter streets as safe as possible, Operation Red Nose has been functioning as a volunteer-based designated driver service in B.C. for the last 17 years.
Besides picking up drivers who've imbibed a few too many Christmas spirits, the service also dispatches a second driver to make sure everyone's car gets back home.
Drivers are slated to hit the roads beginning on November 30 and continuing through Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and New Year's Eve.
Last year, 4,241 Operation Red Nose volunteers drove approximately 188,000 kilometres across B.C. to give revelers the chance to revel again.
While the group is best known for getting intoxicated driver's home safely, the service also provides a lift for anyone who is unable to drive, whether due to sickness, fatigue, or other factors.
Chris Wilson, chairman of the Burnaby, New Westminster and Tri-Cities arms of Operation Red Nose, noted in a press release that the group's dedication to savings lives and preventing collisions is profound. He said the program makes a huge difference by preventing tragedy on local roads.
Because the group is entirely volunteer-based, donations made to Operation Red Nose are funneled into non-profit groups, primarily organizations supporting youth and amateur sport.
Every year youth groups receive more than $1.3 million from Operation Red Nose across Canada, Wilson said in the release.
The designated driver service was created in 1984 by a Laval
University professor in a bid to keep Quebec City streets safe.
The service has caught on in seven provinces in Canada, attracting nearly 60,000 volunteers in 2011. Those volunteers ferried at least 85,000 drivers home last year, according to a release from Operation Red Nose.
The service is sponsored throughout 25 B.C. communities by ICBC.
Jill Blacklock, ICBC's road safety manager, said in the release that ICBC is proud to support a remarkable community initiative like Operation Red Nose because roads are safer thanks to the program and its many dedicated volunteers.
ICBC provides insurance for Operation Red Nose volunteers. The insurance corporation also promotes the annual initiative.
The volunteer group is currently looking for escort drivers, who take the driver home, volunteer drivers, who take the impaired driver's car home, and navigators. Phone operators and dispatchers are also needed to keep things running smoothly through December.
To get a ride on any of the designated days, call 1-877-604-NOSE (6673).
