Safe transportation is important every time not just for special occasions. Plan ahead for parties hosted by friends as well as school functions such as dances, graduation, sporting events and formal/prom.

Hosting a party! Ideas for getting your guests to their next destination safely

1. Remember you are responsible for your guest until they are sober which can be the day after the party.
2. As a host, remain sober.
3. Collect and put away all car keys.
4. Identify designated drivers, support their choice not to drink or do other drugs by serving non-alcoholic drinks.
5. Have cab numbers, bus schedules and fares available for your guests.
6. Do not allow anyone to leave the party alone. Ask them to travel with a sober friend.
7. Allow guests to stay the night.
8. Make a plan together with your parents about what to do if the party gets out of control.

Planning a celebration at your school

1. When planning events at your school promote the impaired driving message. Host MADD school multi-media assembly prior to your event.
2. Create clear messages about impaired driving and spread the word around the school. Work with your OSAID group, prom committee or public health nurse for ideas and extra help.
3. Post a list of taxis and bus schedules around the school in prominent locations.
4. Plan ahead for a safe ride home.

You are a guest at a party! Ideas for getting to your next destination safely

1. Plan ahead – stay sober, call a parent, be/use a designated driver, use a limousine, taxi, or bus.
2. Stay overnight.
3. Be a sober and responsible designated driver.
4. Call your parents, guardian or trusted friend for a ride.
5. Sign a contract with your parents that includes, “no questions asked” until everyone is sober and ready for reasonable discussion.
6. Carry money, cell phone, prepaid phone card, contact numbers in case you cannot reach your parents.

If you know you can’t drive why do you think you can walk??

Walking, cycling, blading on the roads can be dangerous especially if you are impaired. Your balance and reflexes are altered and you may not be aware of your surroundings. Don’t make yourself a target!

Guest at an event planned by the school

1. Plan for a safe ride home.
2. Call your parents, guardian or trusted friend for a ride.
3. Sign a contract with your parents that includes, “no questions asked” until everyone is sober and ready for reasonable discussion.
4. Stay overnight at a safe place. Call your parents and inform them of your change in plans.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving, which means driving while your ability is affected by alcohol or drugs, is a crime under the Criminal Code of Canada. If convicted, you can lose your license, be fined, or spend time in jail. Your vehicle does not even have to be moving; you can be charged if you are impaired behind the wheel, even if you have not started to drive. For more information see Ministry of Transportation web site. Remember there is no safe limit for drinking and driving. Never drive impaired or get into a vehicle with an impaired driver!

• Be a responsible designated driver: Don’t drink, maintain your focus, and avoid distractions.
• If you are a passenger make sure the driver is not impaired.
• Don’t distract the designated driver.

Report an impaired driver – Call 911

Report: Location, vehicle description, license number, colour, make and model, direction of travel and description of the driver.

What to do in the event of a crash?