LAKELAND - As 2024 comes to a close and people make their way to celebrations, bars and restaurants to ring in the New Year, St. Paul RCMP is urging people to stay safe and avoid driving impaired.
On Dec. 31, RCMP offered several safety tips for the public to follow, including planning transportation in advance for those who will be drinking alcohol or using other substances.
“Arrange for a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation to take you to and from your destination,” reads the statement.
Having a designated driver who will remain sober during an event to get people home safely is recommended, as is staying at a friend’s house overnight rather than risk driving home impaired.
“If you take on the role of designated driver, be sure to stay alcohol-free for the entire event, and take pride in knowing that you’re helping friends and family get home safely,” according to St. Paul RCMP.
Many folks like to host holiday gatherings at New Year’s, and those doing so this year are advised to be mindful of how much alcohol their guests are consuming and offer non-alcoholic beverages to those who are driving.
Furthermore, if people notice friends or family members who have had too much to drink, instead of letting them drive, they are instructed to offer to help find alternative transportation.
The RCMP statement also notes that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol consumption and that driving under the influence of cannabis or prescription drugs can also impair an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.
