Halifax – The countdown is officially on, and many folks have plans to ring in the New Year on Thursday night, plans that don’t involve police or being locked up.
Sadly, some people will still be welcoming 2016, behind bars.
“We just want people to be responsible,” said Cst. Dianne Woodworth, Halifax Regional Police.
“Have a good time but plan ahead. Don’t drink and drive. Its absolutely not worth it.”
Every December, police charge dozens of people with impaired driving offences. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, for some reasons, the message isn’t getting through to everyone.
“People are still taking risks and it’s hard to believe in this day in age it’s still happening,” said Const. Woodworth.
“Don’t. It’s not worth it. The least of your worries is being caught by us, you could kill somebody, kill yourself.”
In the Halifax Municipality, Regional Police and RCMP will be setting up traffic stops and checkpoints throughout the region, looking for signs of impaired driving.
Const. Woodworth says the message this New Year’s Eve is simple: “Take a cab, stay over, take a bus, just don’t get behind the wheel.”
For those celebrating in Halifax tonight, the municipality is offering to make the planning simple and be your way home with free bus and ferry service all evening.
“As we know, some people like to partake in some beverages on New Years Eve, so we want everyone to be able to arrive home safely,” said Jennifer Stairs, Spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Municipality.
“For the benefit of everyone, even those who may not be drinking, this is an offer of a free designated driver for the evening.”
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