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17th
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Every year, the government, the media and a number of organizations hammer us with warnings and safety tips to party and drive safely during the holiday season. Despite a significant reduction in casualties since 1970, some drivers still think that they can hit the road after a few drinks without their abilities and judgement being impaired, which endangers their own life and many others.
Forty years ago, there were little alternatives to driving your car at the end of the night. Today, we have designated drivers, taxi cabs, public transit, and various other solutions to arrive home safely after a bit too much partying.
Operation Red Nose
This free and confidential chauffeur service is holding its 29th annual campaign in 2012 under the theme ''Let Rudy Take the Wheel.'' More than 58,000 volunteers in seven Canadian provinces (Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan) are teaming up to provide tens of thousands of safe rides from November 30th to December 31st. If you'd like to volunteer or use a chauffeur, go to www.operationnezrouge.com or Twitter (@ORNose) via a computer or the free mobile app for iPhone and Android. You'll get the phone numbers to call.
Cool Taxi (Quebec only)
Active since 2010, Cool Taxi offers prepaid coupons that users can give to taxi drivers when they get back home. They're especially popular among younger drivers, not to mention parents who want to make a smart gift for their teenagers. Coupons can be purchased from the offices of taxi companies, Couche-Tard convenience stores and Familiprix pharmacies. Find more information at www.cooltaxiquebec.ca.
A designated driver, why not?
You don't need to go on a binge and pass out to have fun during the holidays. One member of the family or one of your friends can stay away from alcoholic beverages for the night to make sure everyone gets a safe ride home. A great way to prevent drunk driving-related accidents!
Good ol' taxi!
If you live in an area without Operation Red Nose or any other chauffeur service, chances are a taxi is still waiting nearby and ready to pick you up to drive you home safely this holiday. The next morning, just ask a friend, relative or colleague to help you return to your car.
Breathalyser FTW
Assessing your level of impairment when you leave a party or a bar is quite tricky. Fortunately, you can use a breathalyser to accurately check your blood alcohol content. Personally, if it's anywhere near the legal limit, I would refrain from taking the wheel. You can purchase a breathalyser from companies such as Alco Prevention (www.alcoprevention.com).
Not drunk, just tired...
So what? Fatigue behind the wheel is another form of impaired driving -- and the third leading cause of road casualties in Quebec after alcohol and speeding. Chauffeur services like Operation Red Nose will gladly pick you up if you consider yourself too tired to drive. The same goes true if you are under medication. Remember that pleading guilty to DWI or DUI charges can lead to major consequences and fees (up to around $7,000 according to CAA-Quebec).
On that note, I wish you all a great holiday season and urge you to be smart and drive safely at all times. See you next year!
Forty years ago, there were little alternatives to driving your car at the end of the night. Today, we have designated drivers, taxi cabs, public transit, and various other solutions to arrive home safely after a bit too much partying.
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Operation Red Nose
This free and confidential chauffeur service is holding its 29th annual campaign in 2012 under the theme ''Let Rudy Take the Wheel.'' More than 58,000 volunteers in seven Canadian provinces (Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan) are teaming up to provide tens of thousands of safe rides from November 30th to December 31st. If you'd like to volunteer or use a chauffeur, go to www.operationnezrouge.com or Twitter (@ORNose) via a computer or the free mobile app for iPhone and Android. You'll get the phone numbers to call.
Cool Taxi (Quebec only)
Active since 2010, Cool Taxi offers prepaid coupons that users can give to taxi drivers when they get back home. They're especially popular among younger drivers, not to mention parents who want to make a smart gift for their teenagers. Coupons can be purchased from the offices of taxi companies, Couche-Tard convenience stores and Familiprix pharmacies. Find more information at www.cooltaxiquebec.ca.
A designated driver, why not?
You don't need to go on a binge and pass out to have fun during the holidays. One member of the family or one of your friends can stay away from alcoholic beverages for the night to make sure everyone gets a safe ride home. A great way to prevent drunk driving-related accidents!
Good ol' taxi!
If you live in an area without Operation Red Nose or any other chauffeur service, chances are a taxi is still waiting nearby and ready to pick you up to drive you home safely this holiday. The next morning, just ask a friend, relative or colleague to help you return to your car.
Breathalyser FTW
Assessing your level of impairment when you leave a party or a bar is quite tricky. Fortunately, you can use a breathalyser to accurately check your blood alcohol content. Personally, if it's anywhere near the legal limit, I would refrain from taking the wheel. You can purchase a breathalyser from companies such as Alco Prevention (www.alcoprevention.com).
Not drunk, just tired...
So what? Fatigue behind the wheel is another form of impaired driving -- and the third leading cause of road casualties in Quebec after alcohol and speeding. Chauffeur services like Operation Red Nose will gladly pick you up if you consider yourself too tired to drive. The same goes true if you are under medication. Remember that pleading guilty to DWI or DUI charges can lead to major consequences and fees (up to around $7,000 according to CAA-Quebec).
On that note, I wish you all a great holiday season and urge you to be smart and drive safely at all times. See you next year!