December CounterAttack

This holiday season, we’re reminding everyone that designated driving is a shared responsibility. Is it your turn to get your friends home safe?

CounterAttack road checks out in full force

Each December, the Province, police and ICBC launch the holiday CounterAttack campaign. It raises awareness for celebrating responsibly, to ensure everyone stays safe on B.C.'s roads.

Police across the province will be out in full force throughout December conducting CounterAttack road checks and checking for impaired drivers.

Why CounterAttack?

ICBC and our road safety partners invest in public awareness activities as an effective way to change driver behaviour, save lives and prevent injuries.

• Although attitudes towards drinking and driving are changing it is still the leading criminal cause of death in Canada.
• According to a police data (five year average: 2005-2009), nine people are killed on B.C. roads during the month of December where alcohol is a contributing factor.

Take your turn to be a designated driver

We all need to do our part to get our friends and family home safe after we've been out celebrating, and the best time to decide how to get home safely is before you start drinking.

A true designated driver is the person who decides not to drink so they can drive others home safely. So, if it has been awhile since you last volunteered, now is the time to take your turn.

Make responsible choices this holiday season

• If you’re going to drink, make the smart choice: choose a designated driver before going out.
• Set an example — take your turn to be a designated driver.
• Refuse to ride with drivers who may be impaired. Ask to be let out of the car if necessary.
• Take a stand and don’t let people drive if they are impaired.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911 and report it to your local police.
• Talk about the issue with your family and friends.

Sobering facts about alcohol

• Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time and coordination, your ability to steer, track moving objects, brake, and control your speed and lane position.
• No amount of coffee, cold showers or fresh air will make you sober. The only cure is time.

More information

For more information about the Ignition Interlock program or the Responsible Driver Program, visit the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles website.

In conjunction with police enforcement activities throughout December, ICBC will also have a designated driver TV ad in all major TV markets across BC as well as online and in Cinemas.