The answer is: By taxi, rideshare, transit, a friend or walking

Consumption of any amount of alcohol or recreational drug may impair you as a road user, especially as a driver. The question is, ‘How should I get home if I’ve been consuming any amount of recreational drugs or alcohol?’ It’s not about getting caught by a police spot check during the holiday season. It’s about the elevated risk of you causing a serious injury to yourself or others, or even death. The data confirms the danger. Between 2019 and 2023, 58 fatal and major injury collisions in Ottawa were related to impaired driving. The amount you’ve consumed is irrelevant. If you exhibit signs of impairment, it’s a criminal offense. If police determine that you have drugs or alcohol in your system and/or that you are impaired by any substance, you can face severe consequences including potential criminal charges. Even though you may not feel impaired, and whether or not you exceed the legal limits, consumption of any amount of alcohol, cannabis or other recreational drug may impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle, putting you and others at risk. The safe alternatives We all know suitable alternatives to impaired driving, but here is a reminder:

• Have a designated driver who is not consuming
• Call a taxi or ride-sharing service
• Take public transit
• Walk, if the distance permits (and wear bright clothing after dark)
• Spend the night somewhere nearby

Free transit service will be provided on New Year’s Eve after 6 pm on buses, O-Train Line 1 and Para Transpo, courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MADD Ottawa and Area.  The server’s responsibility You can help by being a good friend. Inform the host, if a friend was drinking in a home, or the bartender or server if it’s a bar or restaurant. In both cases, those who served the alcohol may be liable for damages or injuries caused by a subsequent collision. Or if you haven’t been consuming, you can offer a ride or suggest alternatives. The answer should be clear. Don’t play jeopardy with your life or that of anyone else on the road, especially the most vulnerable like pedestrians and cyclists. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Additional resources

• ‘Time is precious’: Impaired driving