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12 Days Left in ICBC's Zero Crash Month Challenge

By 250 News

With less than two weeks remaining in ICBC's zero-crash month challenge, the insurance corporation is doing some "myth busting" to help drivers get home safely.

 "There's a myth out there that you won't be impaired if you drink on a full stomach" warns Laurie Baker, ICBC's Manager of Road Safety. "Driving after drinking and eating is just as deadly." 

Other drinking and driving myths:

- Myth - Beer won't affect my driving as much as other alcohol will.
- Fact - A glass of beer contains the same amount of alcohol as a glass or wine or an average cocktail. 

- Myth - If I drink coffee, it will reduce the effects of alcohol.
- Fact - The only thing that reduces the effects of alcohol is time. 

- Myth - Common drugs for cold, flu, allergies and nausea won't affect my ability to drive.
- Fact - Many prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs affect the skills necessary for driving, and may render you impaired under the Criminal  Code. They can cause your attention to wander, slow your reaction time and make you drowsy. When combined with alcohol they can be even more dangerous. Read labels carefully and check with your doctor or pharmacist about specific drugs.

Police-reported incidents indicate alcohol was a contributing factor in over 23 per cent of all fatal crashes in 2004, second only to speeding (33 per cent). Some 93 people were killed in alcohol-related collisions in 2004, down from 105 in 2003, and approximately 3,200 were injured, down from 3,300 in 2003. 

October is Zero Crash Month. Registered communities that reduce their crash statistics by the largest percentage are eligible to win a road safety
grant of $5,000 - $35,000. Individuals can also take a pledge to drive safely, and be eligible to win a grand prize of $35,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle.

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