Our social responsibility message for August focuses on summer driving, reminding customers to plan a safe way home before starting to drink. 

According to ICBC, impaired driving is the leading cause of car crash fatalities in BC. Almost half of those fatal crashes happen during the summer season. Statistics show that 57% of these impaired driving crashes occur on the weekend and 39% occur between 9 in the evening and 3 in the morning – mostly the time where people are out partying. 

In Canada, our province has the strictest drinking and driving laws with penalties ranging from fines, insurance premiums, driving suspension, vehicle impoundment, jail time, rehabilitation, and even an installation of an ignition interlock (requiring the driver to provide a breath sample before starting the car). 

If drinking is part of your summer activities, don't include driving in your plans. Think of alternative ways on how to get home safe. Driving while being under the influence of alcohol not only puts your own life at risk, but also the lives of other road users. Arrive Alive by assigning a designated driver, calling a cab, or taking transit.