Impaired driving has devastating results. Alcohol-related crashes account for more than one quarter of all motor vehicle fatalities.
Crashes caused by drinking and driving
In an average year in BC there are:
- 5,100 alcohol-related crashes
- 3,180 people injured
- 119 people killed
BC drivers still drink and drive
According to a recent Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) study, over 8% of BC drivers said they drove when they thought they were over the legal limit.
- Alcohol-related crashes most often occur on weekends between 9 pm-3 am
- Over 40% of impaired drivers are coming from licensed premises
- 30% of impaired drivers are coming from private functions
Drinking and driving responsibly
Plan your night out - choose a designated driver. Avoid driving after you’ve been drinking. If you’ve already had a few too many, consider these alternatives:
- Taxi
- Call a friend or family member
- Volunteer driver services like Operation Red Nose
- Call a tow truck to take you and your car home
- Use public transit
Drivers who are impaired by drugs are subject to penalties. For more information visit the BC Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles - Driving While Impaired
