Distributed on behalf of the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 20, 2024
Over the next few weeks, plan ahead to get home safely during the holidays.
Together with members of the Quinte Region Traffic Coalition (QRTC), Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is reminding all members of the public who are planning to consume alcohol or cannabis this holiday season, to protect themselves and their loved ones by planning ahead to get home safely.
Driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or both is dangerous and against the law in Ontario. It is the leading cause of death on the road. Making a plan to get home safely is always important, and is even more critical as the number of celebrations, parties, and gatherings being attended by community members increases. Consumption of alcohol and cannabis can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or cannabis is illegal and dangerous. Doing so endangers the life of the driver and puts passengers, other road users, and pedestrians at significant risk. Alcohol and cannabis can impair your judgement, coordination, and reaction time, increasing your chances of being in a collision.
While celebrations can be enjoyed without alcohol or cannabis, if you are planning to consume alcohol or cannabis during holiday celebrations, consider the following options to keep yourself and those around you safe:
- Call a taxi, ride share, or Operation Red Nose.
- Call a trusted friend or family member.
- Take public transit.
- Arrange for a designated driver.
- Plan to stay overnight.
Impaired driving laws under the Criminal Code (Canada) apply to all motorized vehicles including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles. Consequences of impaired driving include but are not limited to license suspension, vehicle impoundment, fines, increased insurance, and a criminal record. Driving impaired is not worth the risk!
Residents are also reminded that the Festive R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs will be in effect throughout the holiday season, with police services conducting checks across the region. Residents should be prepared to see R.I.D.E. programs taking place anytime and anywhere, including major roadways, rural back roads, and off-road trails. If you suspect that a driver is impaired, call 911.
For more information, visit:
Ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.
Ontario.ca/DriveSober
Ontario.ca/TooHightoDrive
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Media contacts
Sara Hart, Communications Specialist
hart.sara@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
About the QRTC
The Quinte Region Traffic Coalition is a partnership of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Ministry of Transportation, Belleville Police, and the Bancroft, Central Hastings, Lennox and Addington County, Prince Edward County, and Quinte West OPP Detachments.
The QRTC aims to reduce the number of incidents resulting in injuries and deaths on roads, trails, and waterways in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
