MADD out with warning ahead of NYE

As people prepare to ring in the New Year here in B.C., one organization is out with a stern message: don’t drink and drive.

While New Year’s Eve is a time when many like to let loose and celebrate with friends and family over a few drinks, the CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is reminding everyone that you can have fun, and prepare to leave your car at home.

“Whether that’s taking an Uber or ride-sharing or taxi or public transportation. You have one friend who’s going to be sober. You’re going to stay over whatever it looks like,” MADD CEO Steve Sullivan told 1130 NewsRadio.

“There are so many options for people to choose from. We just want to make sure that everybody gets home safe.”

Sullivan explains MADD volunteers will be out with police across the region doing sobriety checks on the roads.

He adds that nowadays you don’t have an excuse not to have a safe ride home heading into 2025.

“Obviously, it’s a big night for people to celebrate with their friends and family and co-workers and people returning to town. Whatever that looks like for people, it may involve the consumption of alcohol and or drugs,” he explained.

“And if that is the case, our message is really simple, plan ahead. Plan ahead for a safe ride home,” he said.

Sullivan says with free transit in Metro Vancouver from 5 p.m. Tuesday, there’s no reason to consider driving under the influence.

From 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 5 a.m. on Jan. 1, TransLink is offering free transit to all customers. During these hours, fare gates at the SkyTrain and SeaBus stations will remain open. There is no need for customers to tap their Compass Cards or use other payment methods. If your trip begins prior to 5 p.m., TransLink is advising transit users to still tap off to ensure being charged the correct fare.

“We know at this time of year, with New Year’s and obviously Christmas just passed and all the celebrations, we know that law enforcement has been much more proactive in their work and we see that across the country,” Sullivan said.

“Many of our volunteers are doing sobriety checks with police, and that’s important for people to know that police are out there and they’re looking for impaired drivers.”