In a conversation with the RCMP about their annual spot checks, one thing stands out. We talk with much regularity about those who are drinking in celebration and get behind the wheel, totally oblivious to the fact that they shouldn’t drive.
But there are those who aren’t celebrating.
Christmas can be a lonely time of year for those with no family around them. In the province with one of the highest numbers of transient workers, people get left behind, with no way to fly out thanks to extremely high air fares. They’re alone, they become unhappy.
Unhappiness sometimes leads to drinking.
Those people who are drinking and driving were not necessarily celebrating. This is a time for family but it’s also a time for friends. It’s for reaching out to those who need help and a little understanding.
Drinking and driving is never excusable but stopping someone before they do it could go a long way towards saving a life, whether it’s the potential victim or the driver.
Inclusion alleviates loneliness.
We need to start looking outside of our own homes to make our society free of crimes like drinking and driving.
Perhaps you have a neighbour who is alone for the holidays. Go for a visit or include them if your plans. Organize a community event and reach out to everyone you can.
We’re all in this together.
Let’s stamp out drinking and driving before it starts.
Merry Christmas.
