Tis’ the season for local traffic enforcement to turn their attention to impaired driving on Peace Region roads. December is one of the two worst months of the year for drinking and driving infractions. Traffic Safety Consultant Gordon Ellert says it’s also time when the focus turns to educating drivers about how to be safe while they are enjoying the holiday season.
“There are a lot of Christmas parties going on in December and a lot of people are celebrating the occasion. What comes with that is sometimes a little more drinking. We’re just reminding people to make good decisions and to make sure that they have alternate plans if they are going to be drinking.”
Ellert says even if you are only planning on having a few drinks it’s always a good idea to have an option for a designated or money set aside for a cab ride.
There have been roughly 8600 people convicted per year on impaired driving charges over the past five years, though Ellert says there has been a substantial decrease in impaired driving infractions in the province this past year.