AMA reminds motorists to have “None for the Road” this holiday weekend
July 21, 2011
Edmonton – As Albertans prepare to celebrate with family and friends, AMA and its partners want to remind motorists to make it None for the Road this holiday weekend. If you plan to drink, think ahead; arranging for a sober friend to pick you up or budgeting for a taxi fare can make the difference between a long weekend to remember and one you wish you could forget.
Every drunk driver has a list of excuses for their irresponsible behaviour. The truth is that having that first drink can impair your judgment enough that excuses start to sound like answers. When it comes to protecting your family and keeping your friends safe, we all have a responsibility to plan ahead. Don’t let someone you care about get behind the wheel after drinking. It might be the last mistake they ever make.
“We’re not trying to tell people not to drink, but to plan their ride home as carefully as they plan their evening out,” says Don Szarko, director of advocacy and community services for AMA. “We all share the responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, our friends. Ninety people died on Alberta roads last year due to drug and alcohol impairment behind the wheel, and that’s 90 too many.”
Statistics from the Alberta government* indicate approximately one in five fatal crashes involved alcohol. Of those fatal, alcohol-related crashes:
In partnership with the Government of Alberta, AMA delivers the Alberta Impaired Drivers Program (AIDP) for motorists convicted of impaired driving, a program that aims to separate drinking and drug use from the driving task. “A momentary lapse in judgment can create a lifetime of consequences,” says Wendy Schilling, program developer for AIDP. “I see that regret over and over and having the awareness to plan ahead makes all the difference.”
To help Albertans plan ahead and get home safely, AMA’s ‘None for the Road’ mobile website m.ama.ab.ca/nonefortheroad provides a list of local taxi companies. A pilot project is being rolled out in select Calgary and Edmonton bars that allow users to scan quick response (QR) codes from posters and coasters using a smartphone. Individuals can text for the opportunity to win $200 in Taxi Dollars.
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is the largest membership organization in Alberta, representing more than 910,000 members. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel and consumer protection, crime prevention, and the environment, AMA represents the interests of its members and the motoring public to industry and all levels of government. Visit ama.ab.ca to learn more about AMA's products, services and member advocacy initiatives.
Editor’s Note: Media are invited to try the QR code on their smartphone to access the None for the Road mobile website.
For more information, contact:
Don Szarko, Director of Advocacy and Community Services, Alberta Motor Association
Ph: 780-430-5733 Cell: 780-982-8827 Email: don.szarko@ama.ab.ca
Every drunk driver has a list of excuses for their irresponsible behaviour. The truth is that having that first drink can impair your judgment enough that excuses start to sound like answers. When it comes to protecting your family and keeping your friends safe, we all have a responsibility to plan ahead. Don’t let someone you care about get behind the wheel after drinking. It might be the last mistake they ever make.
“We’re not trying to tell people not to drink, but to plan their ride home as carefully as they plan their evening out,” says Don Szarko, director of advocacy and community services for AMA. “We all share the responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, our friends. Ninety people died on Alberta roads last year due to drug and alcohol impairment behind the wheel, and that’s 90 too many.”
Statistics from the Alberta government* indicate approximately one in five fatal crashes involved alcohol. Of those fatal, alcohol-related crashes:
- 22% occurred in July or August
- 49% involved male drivers between the ages of 18-34
- 55% occurred on the weekend
- 69% occurred between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
In partnership with the Government of Alberta, AMA delivers the Alberta Impaired Drivers Program (AIDP) for motorists convicted of impaired driving, a program that aims to separate drinking and drug use from the driving task. “A momentary lapse in judgment can create a lifetime of consequences,” says Wendy Schilling, program developer for AIDP. “I see that regret over and over and having the awareness to plan ahead makes all the difference.”
To help Albertans plan ahead and get home safely, AMA’s ‘None for the Road’ mobile website m.ama.ab.ca/nonefortheroad provides a list of local taxi companies. A pilot project is being rolled out in select Calgary and Edmonton bars that allow users to scan quick response (QR) codes from posters and coasters using a smartphone. Individuals can text for the opportunity to win $200 in Taxi Dollars.
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is the largest membership organization in Alberta, representing more than 910,000 members. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel and consumer protection, crime prevention, and the environment, AMA represents the interests of its members and the motoring public to industry and all levels of government. Visit ama.ab.ca to learn more about AMA's products, services and member advocacy initiatives.
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For more information, contact:
Don Szarko, Director of Advocacy and Community Services, Alberta Motor Association
Ph: 780-430-5733 Cell: 780-982-8827 Email: don.szarko@ama.ab.ca
