The season of celebration is upon us once again.
And just as the Santa’s and reindeers and snowmen light up roofs and lawns to lift spirits throughout the community, celebrations of other sorts get spirits flowing in other ways. This is the party season, as co-workers, families and friends join in celebration of the joy and goodwill that herald the approach of Christmas Day.
It’s the season of raised spirits – and of raised glasses.
That means it’s also the season to take a sober second look at how you’re getting around.
It’s really hard to get full enjoyment of the Christmas season in the back seat of a police cruiser. Or during a ride to the hospital. Or, for that matter, in the coroner’s wagon.
If you like to imbibe a bit of alcohol this Christmas season then please, keep it in the responsible zone. If you’re partying with friends, make sure there’s someone to hang on to the car keys – someone who isn’t drinking, or someone who will arrange for a taxi or an Operation Red Nose driver or some alternative way to get home.
We’re happy to see that Operation Red Nose numbers are looking strong already – in its first weekend of operation, 81 volunteers gave 57 folks in Richmond a safe ride home.
And, of course, don’t forget transit – with the Canada Line and a host of bus routes across the city, there’s no excuse for driving drunk when you’re close to a transit stop.
If you’re hosting a party, keep in mind that you could be held responsible if a drunken guest runs into trouble on the way home.
The main thing is to keep the good times rolling, all the way past the ride home.
