Sober warning issued
By Sharon Lem
Toronto Sun
December 30, 2006

You can paint the town red this New Year's Eve, but make sure you have a responsible ride home.

Toronto Police Const. Stephen Burns said that as of Thursday night, the 2006 Festive RIDE program stopped 87,687 vehicles and tested 1,726 drivers.

Of the drivers tested, 61 had drinking and driving charges laid, Burns, of Traffic Services, said yesterday.

CHOOSE RIDE WISELY

"Of the drivers stopped, one in 51 is drinking. RIDE is going to be out across the city, so if you're going to be drinking, plan ahead and choose your ride wisely to get home," Burns said.

"People are getting the message, but some people are complacent and forget to make alternative arrangements to get home."

In York Region, police have stopped 40,814 vehicles, tested 645 drivers and laid 27 drinking and driving charges and 33 other criminal charges.

"Despite our tough laws, there are still too many people driving impaired," Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield said.

Cansfield is urging Ontarians to put this resolution on their list -- I won't drink and drive.

'NO EXCUSE'

"Resolving not to drink and drive will help keep this issue top of mind. And if you need more encouragement, GO Transit is offering free service on New Year's Eve."

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair said drinking and driving "costs us all. There is absolutely no excuse to drive while impaired in Toronto. There are cabs, transit system and designated driver programs."

Blair said impaired drivers will receive "consequences for their actions."

Designated driving services are booking up quickly across the GTA.

Myrna Lachance, who started the designated driving service Keys to Us 10 years ago, said New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the year.

"It gets so busy that we have about 20 cars on the road and three dispatchers working ... and usually get over 200 calls," Lachance said.

In 2004, 192 people lost their lives because of drinking and driving in Ontario. The 2006 Festive RIDE program runs until Jan. 1.

Impaired driving continues to be the leading criminal cause of death in Canada. About 70,000 Canadians are affected annually.