Local RCMP officer recommends people have plans and backup plans to make sure they get home safely
The holiday season is a time of togetherness and celebration. Part of many people’s holiday traditions involve going to gatherings where alcohol is served. Local Community Policing Officer Cst. Paul Human wants to remind people that they should have plans in place ahead of time to make sure that they get home safely at the end of their celebrations.
“There’s nothing worse than if you had a celebration at your house or an event and somebody was hurt or killed because of an accident that could have been prevented. We all talk about ‘Oh, it’s storming out, I shouldn’t be driving to Winnipeg,’ or ‘I shouldn’t be driving at all,’ and yet, when we’ve had one or two drinks, we think, ‘Oh, I’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. I’ll get home Okay, I’ve been doing it for years.’ I hear that all the time from people who have been pulled over and I know they’ve been drinking. The thing is, with alcohol and with other intoxicating substances, such as marijuana, or illicit drugs, they all affect us differently,” said Human.
He said that depending on your genetics, the amount of sleep you’ve had, and how much you’ve eaten lately even the same person may process substances and alcohol differently.
“Here’s the rule. If you have one, don’t drive. If you’ve had illicit substances or marijuana, don’t drive,” said Human.
There are many options that people can use to get home safely. Taxis or rideshare services are options but people can also plan to have friends or family pick them up or even plan to stay the night if they are at someone’s home that has room.
The step that keeps you and others safest is making these plans before you take your first drink. Human says that in addition to your main plans, you should also have some backup options.
“Have a plan B, and C. I’ve always instructed my children and the younger generation, if you’re somewhere and you need a ride home, I don’t care what time it is [if I’m your parent.] If you don’t have parents like that, set up something like that. Maybe have an additional friend [that you can ask, ‘Hey, can I make you my emergency call? Can I make you that person that I can call at two in the morning to come pick me up?’ And if you’ve got a best friend like that, they’ll all say yes and it can go back and forth,” said Human.
He also notices that people who drink while impaired also bring up the fact that they can’t leave their vehicle behind or need it the next morning. The best way to make sure that isn’t an issue is to not bring your vehicle in the first place. If you get a ride or taxi to the celebration, this becomes a non-issue.
Residents should also take into account that substances like marijuana or even certain prescription medications can impair them as well. If a substance says not to operate heavy equipment or even if it has the side effect of causing drowsiness, caution should be taken.
Human says, because of holiday parties, the RCMP does notice that there are more drivers who are intoxicated regardless of the time of day or day of the week at this time of year.
He also confirmed that there will be checkpoints once again throughout the region.
“We start in December and go right till January,” said Human.
Residents should know if they are caught drinking and driving there are some pretty serious consequences.
“Number one, you’ll be arrested and charged under the Criminal Code for impaired operation of a motor vehicle, which means you’ll have to go to court at a later date. If you’re going to court, you’re very likely going to need a lawyer, which is going to cost you money. Your driver’s license is immediately suspended, which means you cannot operate a motor vehicle. So that privilege is taken away and your vehicle gets towed which means it’ll also be held for a number of days and when it’s held, you get charged daily,” said Human.
This is just what happens if it’s your first offence. Repeat offenders have more serious consequences.
Human says that this is actually getting off lightly.
“If I got you at a checkstop that’s actually a really good thing. I’d rather catch you at a checkstop, than do a breathalyzer or do a breath demand or blood demand in the hospital after you’ve been in an accident. So, please don’t drink and drive,” he said.
He urges everyone to be safe this holiday season.
“This year let’s make it better, plan, and have a fantastic Christmas season,” said Human.
