Leave car at home on New Year’s Eve, police officials urge

On the eve of a new year, an old message: Don’t drink and drive.

“Counter Attack will be out there, so there will be road blocks,” said acting Sgt. Brian Montague of the Vancouver Police Department. “We encourage people to have a designated driver, take transit, take a cab.”

There is also Operation Red Nose, where it’s available — and the ride organization, which donates money collected to local charities, is still looking for volunteers.

And while Uber is not yet available in Vancouver, there are alternatives such as the ride-sharing app Flok and the chauffeur service Kater.

“The one option we don’t want people to take is getting behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink,” Montague said.

Should anyone need reminding, if you’re drunk and you’re caught driving you’ll lose your licence, your car will be impounded and your wallet will be lightened significantly.

“It can cost thousands and thousands in fines and impound fees,” Montague said. Better to patiently await a cab. “No taxi company will pre-book on the night of the 31st,” a spokeswoman with North Shore Taxi said.

For the 41st year, TransLink rides are free from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Once the fare gates open at 5 p.m., TransLink asks that you not tap your Compass cards — unless you board before 5 p.m., then you’ll need to tap out as well.

Bus, SkyTrain, Night Bus and SeaBus services have been extended for the night: Buses follow a regular Saturday schedule with some routes running extra evening and late-night trips; SkyTrains will be more frequent and operate an hour longer than usual; the last SeaBus sails from Lonsdale Quay will be 2 a.m., with the last Waterfront departure at 2:20 a.m. Extra staff, transit police and security officers will be on duty.

Despite all of these alternatives, and despite years of campaigning against drunk driving and some of the harshest laws in the land, “we’re still pulling people over, still seeing people get behind the wheel when they’ve had way too much to drink,” Montague said.

“It’s not just Counter Attack. We have lots of officers out there doing their day-to-day duties — they’re catching people, as well. And we encourage people, if you see someone who is behind the wheel and displaying impaired driving, to call 9-1-1.” 9-1-1 calls are exempt from distracted driving laws, he added.