Drunk Driving: There’s No Excuse
According to MADD Canada, a total of 2,541 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in Canada in 2010. Of this figure, 1,082 fatalities were a result of impaired driving. The number of people injured is even more astounding. In the same year, 299,838 were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Of these, 63,821 can be directly attributed to impairment-related crashes. Many of the injured have become incapacitated for life.
The statistics for subsequent years are not available yet, but it is believed that there hasn’t been any significant drop in the rate of fatalities and injuries despite efforts by the federal and provincial governments. According to estimates, most of the impairment-related fatalities and injuries were caused by drunk driving. In Canada, drunk driving is a crime punishable by a fine and imprisonment. This has not deterred people from drinking and driving.
Just imagine how many people lose their lives each year around the world as a result of drunk driving. Drunk driving causes so much damage and suffering to the families involved. But most people just shrug it off because most fatal crashes seem to be isolated events separated by time and geography.
Drunk driving is a crime and there is no excuse for it. When you drink and drive, you do not just endanger your life; you also endanger the lives of other people.
Most people who drink over the limit, which is a blood alcohol level (BAC) of above 0.08 in Canada, and the get behind the wheels of their vehicle in an inebriated state have a readymade excuse. The following are the top 10 drunk driving excuses compiled by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
1. “I can handle my liquor.”
2. “I don’t want to pay for a taxi.”
3. “Leaving my car overnight is a hassle.”
4. “I always make it home after a few.”
5. “It’s only a short drive home.”
6. “I am okay to drive.”
7. “One more drink won’t hurt.”
8. “They only take your license if you are drunk.”
9. “I am more careful after a couple.”
10. “I wasn’t drinking; only smoked a joint.”
From the highway patrol’s point of view, all of these excuses are laughable. Nobody can handle liquor when they are over the limit. So if you are going to be drinking at a party or function, leave your car at home. Take a taxi or let someone drive you. There is no excuse for drunk driving.
If you find yourself in need of a safe ride home, you can always give Co-op Cabs a call. Wed like to help keep Toronto safe by keeping drunk drivers off the city streets. Click here to learn more about our partnership with MADD Toronto.