Keep the Holidays Safe: 7 Ways to Avoid Drinking and Driving

Don’t Make A Fatal Mistake: 7 Ways to Avoid Drinking and Driving Over the Holidays

The holidays are a great time filled with parties, dinners, get-togethers, and festive cheer with friends and loved ones. Generally, that festive cheer includes alcohol… and for some, quite a bit of it.

With so many ways to avoid drinking and driving, it’s hard to understand why some people make the fatal mistake of getting behind the wheel.

It’s just not worth it. There are tons of ways to avoid drinking and driving, and we’re here to make sure you know your options. Here’s a list of the best choices to make to keep yourself, and others, safe this holiday season.

 

Drunk driving solutions

 

Drinking and Driving Affects More Than Just Yourself

When you make the decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, you’re accepting that you could potentially kill someone. Your decision could destroy a family. Are you really okay with that?

Some people still do it anyway. In 2012, 58% of crash deaths in Canada were caused by drivers who had alcohol or drugs in their system. That was 1,497 deaths.

And that’s not counting the amount of injuries, serious or minor, that resulted from impaired driving. In 2010, 210,932 vehicles and properties were damaged by drunk drivers.

Don’t be another statistic. Be smart and safe, and enjoy your holidays responsibly.

 

Drinking and driving statistics

Ontario Drinking and Driving Laws

In Ontario, you face steep penalties for drinking and driving.

For all novice drivers, or drivers under 21, there is a zero BAC (blood alcohol concentration) law. If you are caught with any alcohol in your system, no matter how much, you can face a 30 day license suspension and a fine of anywhere from $60 to $500.

Novice drivers could also have their license cancelled. This means they have to start the process and tests all over again.

For all drivers who are pulled over and fail the field sobriety test, the following penalties could occur.

  • First time: 3 day license suspension and $180 fine.
  • Second time within 5 years: 7 day license suspension, $180 fine, and mandatory participation in an education program.
  • Third time within 5 years: 30 day license suspension, six month breathalyzer ignition interlock, $180 fine, and mandatory participation in a treatment program.

If you injure or kill someone while driving impaired, you are charged criminally and the penalties can include fines over $1000, jail time, and breathalyzer ignition interlock for multiple years.

 

Strategies to prevent drunk driving. Company that drive your car home

7 Ways to Avoid Drinking and Driving in Ontario

 

1. Hire a Designated Driver from Keys to Us

Keys to Us is a company that drives your car home in the Durham and York regions. Their team of professional designated drivers will drive you and your car home from wherever you are.

They also provide personal driver services and services for weddings or special events.

You might have noticed that these designated driver companies are popping up across Ontario. They are a great way to get you home without worrying about leaving your car anywhere. Check for a service in your area.

 

Cab companies in Whitby and Vaughan area - Ontario drinking and driving laws

2. Get a Friend to be the Designated Driver

Carpooling to a party, and selecting one person as the designated driver, is a smart idea. This person will be in charge of staying sober and making sure people get home safe.

If someone is willing to be the designated driver, offer them something in return, like gas money or a snack on the way home. And don’t forget to take your turn at designated driver once in awhile.

 

3. Call a Cab

Cabs are a classic choice and have always been there to call for a ride. There are plenty of cab companies in most cities, so finding one isn’t too hard.

If you’re going with this option, make sure you save enough cash to get home. Not all cars have credit or debit machines.

It can be hard sometimes to get ahold of a cab on a busy night. But it’s worth it to get home safely.

 

Cab number for new years eve - Ontario drinking and driving laws

4. Order an Uber

Uber is a “ride sharing” app that has recently hit the streets of Ontario. Just open the app and tap to request a car to pick you up.

A map will show you exactly how far away your car is and when they’ll get to you. Then it bills your credit card at the end of your trip. No cash or phone calls needed.

 

How expensive is Uber during the Holidays - Keys to us

5. Host the Party Instead

If you have the option, why not host a party? This way, you don’t have to go anywhere and won’t worry about rides.

As a bonus, you can save money.

You can also make sure that none of your guests drink and drive. Let friends sleep at your house if they don’t have any other option.

 

The liability of a party host- Keys to us

6. Hire a Car for the Evening

On New Year’s Eve, you can make things really special by renting a car or a limo. Why not ride in style and stay safe at the same time?

There are a few options for chauffeur services in the GTA and surrounding area. Give them a call and make your night a little more magical and safe.

 

7. Just Don’t Drink

Do you really need alcohol to have fun? Consider this before you take that first sip. Sometimes, getting drunk isn’t worth the inconvenience.

If you’re willing to avoid drinking, you can save yourself and others the hassle. And you can pride yourself on the fact that you’ll be keeping others safe and alive.

 

 Tips to avoid drinking and driving - Keys to us

If You Get Hit by a Drunk Driver, Conte & Associates Will Fight For You

At Conte & Associates, we have no tolerance for drunk driving. If someone hurts you because of their selfish mistake, we will fight aggressively to get you what you deserve.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers in the Greater Toronto Area are ready to help you. We work with the top experts and professionals in Ontario to build you the best case you can get. Don’t risk settling for less than you deserve.

We can help you get your life back on track. You’ve suffered enough. It’s time for us to give you a better chance.

Contact Conte & Associates today or visit our offices in Whitby and Vaughan for a free consultation.

 

Top personal injury lawyer in GTA area.

View More Articles