“Don’t drink and drive” is the same message ramped up each Christmas but still the message doesn’t get through.
Last year, there were three fatalities and 44 injuries as a result of alcohol-related crashes, which is why Operation Red Nose is back to prevent you from drinking and driving this Christmas.
There will be 500 volunteers across Saskatchewan to drive you and your vehicle home safely. It is available in Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford and Prince Albert.
It is a free service and donations are welcome.
But whether it’s this program, a taxi, public transit or a designated driver, Regina Public Service (RPS) Superintendent Corey Zahruk admits, everyone cane make a mistake.
“Often times, the majority of our offenders have been picked up for impaired driving for the first time,” he explained. “They are misjudging their ability to drive and they don’t have the awareness that they need.”
On average each year, RPS responds to about two impaired driving calls a day. Over the holiday season, that increases to five.
This year there is a new feature: an app through Apple and Android phones to make it easier to contact Operation Red Nose.
It all begins Nov. 27 to Dec 31.
Last year Operation Red Nose provided 1,000 safe rides home.