The RCMP has issued a few safety tips for residents planning to ring in the new year with a party.
According to Corporal Mathew Howell, arranging a safe ride home is the first step to ensuring your safety if you plan to celebrate the new year.
“The basic thing is make sure you have a safe ride home, if you’re not drinking great, but make sure if you’re on the road you’re safe, you’re not too tired.”
Howell says even if you choose not to drink or use drugs while celebrating, it is important to remain mindful of other factors that could impact the safety of yourself and those around you.
“We tend to forget that impaired is not just alcohol or drugs, it’s also impaired by a lack of sleep so if you are overly tired, find a place to stay, pull off on the side of the road, take a nap and then go again,” he says. “Remember with New Year’s Eve, there will be a lot more people on the road going to and from parties, so make sure you’re being aware of the environment around you.”
Additionally, Howell says the unfortunate reality is some drivers will be under the influence during the holiday, and the RCMP remains aware and is encouraging anyone who sees suspicious activity on the roads to report it immediately.
“Even though most of us will be safe and not be driving while impaired, statistically speaking, there will be people out there driving impaired so you have to be careful of that as well,” he says. “The RCMP will be aware of the impaired drivers and will be prepared to answer those calls so if you do see something, don’t be afraid to report it,”
The Grande Prairie Bus Service will be operating on adjusted hours on New Year’s Eve, available until 1:00 a.m. that evening.
