The lights are being strung, the sales are on, Santa is magically appearing in public places throughout the Chemainus Valley, listening to wish lists; yes, the Christmas season is upon us.
With the season come the parties, and, in turn, the increased alcohol consumption.
It’s a sad fact that every year, we must remind people of the alternative transportation options available to curb impaired driving. It’s a sadder fact that many people will read this and pay no heed.
The Duncan/North Cowichan RCMP has started its Winter Counter Attack program and that means if you are convicted of drinking and driving you will be in line for a hefty fine, confiscation of your driver’s licence, inconvenience and a criminal record. It will cost you a lot and it is not worth it. Would you pay more than $500 per drink? It’s no way to celebrate the holidays. Designate a driver, take a cab, call a friend or stay put … pretty simple.
Either that, or suffer the consequences. Oh sure, you might beat the charge – there are plenty of lawyers willing to fight for you, at a price. But an impaired driving charge is not the worst-case scenario, not by a long shot.
Lives are at stake here – yours, and those of innocent victims: the four-year-old that dies when you fall asleep at the wheel; the two children you just orphaned by t-boning their parents when you sped through that red light; the newlywed wife who just became a widow.
Sound harsh? That’s reality. People will be orphaned, crippled and widowed this Christmas season at the hands of drunk drivers. There is only one thing you can do to ensure you are not the cause of any such tragedy.
Think about it before having that second spiked eggnog, or ordering that bottle of wine with dinner.
Make alternative arrangements. Let’s keep the Chemainus Valley safe this Christmas season.
– Adapted from a previous Black Press editorial