The annual CounterAttack campaign to urge drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home if their holiday festivities involve alcohol is back for another holiday season.
While attitudes toward drinking and driving have changed considerably over the years, an average of 86 lives are still lost every year in B.C. The North Central region accounts for 22 of those deaths, according to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
"We want everyone to enjoy the holidays with their family and friends so make sure you plan ahead for a safe ride home," said John Dickinson, ICBC's director of road safety. "Take your turn as the designated driver, call a taxi, take transit or use Operation Red Nose."
ICBC's helping to prevent impaired driving this December through a month-long education campaign, funding for CounterAttack roadchecks and promotion of designated drivers with businesses, sports facilities and community groups.
It means RCMP will be out in force.
"The hardest part of a police officer's job is telling a family they've lost a loved one - a loss that could have been avoided," said Chief Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. "We can all help prevent these crashes by always planning a safe ride home."
Operation Red Nose volunteers will be on the streets tonight and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. To get a ride home in your own vehicle, call 250-960-RIDE (7433).
There is also still time to volunteer. For details, go to www.ornpg.ca.
