Impaired Driving: Don’t Get Caught in a RIDE Program, Make Alternative Plans
If you get caught in a RIDE program while driving impaired, the last thing you will be worrying about is your insurance rates. And, depending on the severity of the infraction, you will have a difficult time getting an affordable insurance quote.
The good news is that awareness for impaired driving has grown significantly over the last decade. With effective education and constant reinforcement through driving school and messages through the media it seems like the teens and adults in Ontario are getting the message.
Impaired driving programs
There is no shortage of Ontario impaired driving programs that will serve as a friendly reminder to not drink and drive during the summer months. They include:
- RIDE programs
- Arrive alive DRIVE SOBER
- MADD
- iDrive
- OSAID
For more information on these programs click here.
Don’t be tempted by the nice weather
While much of the emphasis is placed on drinking and driving during the holiday season, the warm weather brings many opportunities to enjoy a cold beverage such as BBQs, on long weekends, pool parties, and days at the beach. While having a few drinks is fine, make sure that you plan ahead and have a way to get home that does not include driving.
Here are some options that are available:
- Public transportation: This is a cost effective option for anyone that has been drinking. Take the bus, street car, or subway even if you have to leave the party a little early.
- Taxis: While it may cost a few dollars to take a cab, but it definitely less costly than getting caught for impaired driving.
- A designated driver: If you know you are going to drink, then find someone to be the designated driver or arrange to get a ride home from a friend or family member.
- Drinking and driving car delivery service: This is a great service that is available for people that drove to a location, but have had too many drinks to drive home.
- Stay the night: If all other options fail, arrange to stay the night.
- Leave your car: Worst case scenario, leave your car parked and risk getting a ticket. A parking ticket is much better than an impaired driving charge.
For more information about the drinking and driving law in Ontario, go here.