Criminal Acts at Christmas

Not exactly something that we plan to do. But something that far too many people do at this time of year.

In honor of the Anniversary of the 1st Taxicab in use in London (December 6, 1897), I want to talk to you about a very important issue that may impact you and/or your family.

Taxi cabs are a part of everyday life.

Some people use them for all their transportation, others use them infrequently for times they want to go out and have a little ‘cheer’.

We are in the midst of the busiest shopping season of the year… as well as the busiest party season of the year.

Alcohol is freely enjoyed and used during the Holiday season.

You may even be having a get-together at home, or taking others out for dinner and drinks (both of which are fine, but care must be taken).

The opportunities are everywhere… company parties, supplier parties, family get-togethers, friends gathering… each of them a fun time.

For the coming month, I wanted to extend some ideas to make your holiday season a little safer for you and your family.

First, the facts:

• Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 51 minutes.
  
• Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in all of Canada;
  
• In 2012, 10,322 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. 
  
• In MADD Canada estimates that at least 1250 motor vehicle accidents were alcohol impairment-related;
  
• The rules apply to the water as well! It is suspects that 37% of boating fatalities were alcohol related.
  

Some tips to make your month safe:

• Know the limits! Some provinces are now at .05 blood alcohol level. Depending on the size of person, that can be one single drink that makes it a criminal act to drive. 
  
• Report bad or impaired drivers you see on the road. If you don’t, how can you be sure it isn’t someone you know that they run into a couple miles down the road? A friend? Family member? Call the police immediately if you see any signs of impaired driving.
  
• Be a responsible host. If you are having others over for some Christmas cheer, make sure you are prepared. First, have lots of hearty food available for people to snack on. Breads and dips or sandwiches are perfect for parties. Watch what is happening. You are the host and part of your job as a host is to pay attention to how much people are drinking. If they are driving, make sure you let them know that you have taxis or driving services available. Even offer to make it easier for them to get their car the next day. If you are entertaining people that are drinking, it IS your responsibility to ensure all of your guests stay off the roads while impaired. 
  
• Be a good person and don’t let your friends and family drive after drinking. Let them borrow a couch, or a spare bed… just don’t let them drive.
  
• Tell your kids NOT to get in the car with someone who has been drinking – you’ll pick them up and they won’t get in trouble for calling you! As well, you should also never get in a car with a driver that has been drinking.
  
• If you are entertaining – make sure you have all kinds of different non-alcoholic drinks as well. Coffee, pops. juice and water.
  

These may be common sense tips for the holiday season, but they are ideas you need to follow.

If you are having a fun event, make sure you have ample food, taxi numbers or coupons on hand, and sufficient quantities of non-alcoholic beverages available.

The point is not to put a damper on some holiday fun, but to ensure you are safe while doing so.

So enjoy… just not too much.

Taxi Cabs are the cheapest thing going… …especially when you consider the alternatives!