The following excuses for driving while impaired were provided to police at CounterAttack road checks held around BC in the past month:
- “I’m driving my drunk friends home… I’ve had less than all of them.” Choosing the least drunk person to be the designated driver is not a safe way to get friends and family home, and it’s a decision that could end in tragedy. Start the night with a plan to get home safely – choose a designated driver before you go out, make sure you have money for transit or a taxi, a place to stay overnight, or a friend you can call for a ride.
- “I’ve only had a couple.” Every drink you consume adds to your level of impairment. The “just a couple” mentality can blur your perception of reality and the actual number of drinks you’ve consumed throughout the night. Don’t get caught up in the celebration – if you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice to get home safely.
- “I was just going two blocks.” Impaired driving is dangerous and illegal whether you are traveling a block or 20 kilometres. CounterAttack roadchecks are everywhere – so no matter how close to home you may be, think twice about getting behind the wheel, you might just encounter a friendly, neighbourhood roadcheck.
- “I can hold my liquor.” Police often hear from drivers who have survived an alcohol-related crash that they had very little to drink and really didn’t think they were impaired. The truth is, alcohol affects your perception of how impaired you are, and your risk of crashing increases with each alcoholic drink you consume.
- "I can't be drunk...I'm the designated driver!" Taking your turn to be the designated driver is a commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Offer to be the designated driver before you head out to celebrate – but remember that a true designated driver is the person who decides not to drink so they can drive others home safely.
- Log in to post comments