Risks and Summer Safety.

Drinking and driving is never OK. You could kill yourself or someone else.
But if that's not enough of a deterrent, check out some other real and serious risks of drinking and driving.

• Risks : Legal Risks

  In Ontario, novice drivers will get an immediate license suspension and a fine if they’ve had anything to drink at all.

  For fully licensed drivers, a blood alcohol level (BAC) from 0.05-0.08 will result in an immediate roadside suspension. If you’re caught again, you may receive a longer licence suspension, hefty fines and possible jail time.

  FIRST TIME OFFENCE
  Three-day licence suspension, $150 administrative monetary penalty

  SECOND TIME OFFENCE (WITHIN 5 YEARS)
  Seven-day licence suspension, mandatory alcohol education program, $150 administrative monetary penalty

  THIRD TIME OFFENCE (WITHIN 5 YEARS)
  30-day licence suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment program, six-month ignition interlock licence condition, $150 administrative monetary penalty

  SUBSEQUENT INFRACTIONS (WITHIN 5 YEARS)
  30-day licence suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment program, six-month ignition interlock licence condition, mandatory medical evaluation, $150 administrative monetary penalty

  For more information on legal consequences, the alcohol treatment program and ignition interlock system, visit the Ministry of Transportation’s website at www.mto.gov.on.ca.
• Risks : Safety Risks

  Just because someone doesn’t seem drunk, it doesn’t mean they aren’t impaired. Alcohol affects everyone differently. Here are just a few effects that begin to take hold from the very first drink:

  Alcohol reduces motor coordination, alertness and reaction time. It can also blur and double vision.

  Alcohol affects depth perception, making it difficult to determine the distance of other vehicles, pedestrians or objects.

  Alcohol affects judgment. A person who’s been drinking is far more likely to be careless or reckless behind the wheel.

  MADD Canada estimates that, in an average year, impaired driving kills more than 1,200 people and injures 70,900 more. The cost of damages as a result of drinking and driving is estimated to be in the billions.

  For tips on what to do if someone you know is about to drink and drive, check out our Be a great host section. If you think you’re already equipped to handle the situation, give it a try now! See how fast you can deflate the elephant in the room.

  For more information on the serious safety risks involved with drinking and driving, visit:

  • MADD Canada
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Risks : More Information

  Ontario's RIDE program is cracking down on drinking and driving. So think long and hard before getting behind the wheel intoxicated. Odds are, you won't make it very far before getting nabbed.

  For more information on Ontario’s RIDE program, contact your local police department.

  Ontario Provincial Police: www.opp.ca.

• Risks : Drinking while snowmobiling

  It is against the law to drive a snowmobile while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

  If a snowmobile driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 50 to 80 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood (0.05 to 0.08), they could receive a roadside driver licence suspension of up to 30 days.

  If a snowmobile driver is impaired or has a BAC of more than 0.08, or fails/refuses to comply with alcohol or drug testing, his/her driver licence will be suspended immediately for 90 days and the police can lay an impaired driving charge under the Criminal Code of Canada.

  Individuals convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile will lose their driving privileges (including their privilege to drive a car) for a minimum of one year.

  For more information on safe snowmobiling, visit the Ministry of Transportation's website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/topics/snowmobile.shtml.

• Winter safety : Winter driving

  Ontario winters are challenging for motorists.
  
  Safety is a top priority of the Ministry of Transportation.
  
  Every effort is made to make highways safe and to provide efficient winter maintenance service for the public.
  
  Weather conditions can be unpredictable, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills. Ensure you are well prepared for winter roads and always adjust your driving speed to existing conditions.
  
  Remember to be road-ready and weather-wise this winter:

  Make sure your vehicle is winter ready. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle.

  Listen to the radio for road and weather updates and check conditions before leaving.

  Plan extra time to get to your destination and consider delaying your trip in bad weather.

  Top up your windshield washer fluid before your trip.

  In order to see and be seen in reduced visibility conditions, turn on your vehicle's full lighting system.

  Notify a friend or family member of your destination and anticipated arrival time.

  Watch for the flashing lights of snow and ice control vehicles.

  When approaching them from behind, slow down, stay back, and be patient. DO NOT PASS around or between them.

  Move over for emergency vehicles.

  Consider installing four winter tires to provide better traction in snow and icy conditions.

  For more tips and information on safe winter driving, check out the Ministry of Transportation's website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml
• Winter safety : Winter driving survival kit

  It's a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded. Recommended items include:

  Ice scraper/snowbrush

  Shovel

  Sand or other traction aid

  Tow rope or chain

  Booster cables

  Road flares or warning lights

  Gas line antifreeze

  Flashlight and batteries

  First aid kit

  Fire extinguisher

  Small tool kit

  Extra clothing, gloves and footwear

  Blanket

  Non-perishable energy foods - e.g., chocolate or granola bars, juice, soup, bottled water

  Candle and a small tin can

  Waterproof matches

  For more tips and information on safe winter driving, check out the Ministry of Transportation's website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml.
• Winter safety : Snowmobiling

  Snowmobiling is an immensely popular winter activity in Ontario. Whether you are a beginner or you have participated in this recreational activity for a number of years, knowledge of how to operate your vehicle safely is imperative to ensure an enjoyable ride both on and off the trail. The following highlights what you need to know to own and drive a snowmobile safely.

  Obey speed limits and road/trail signs and always drive within your ability. Reduce your speed when driving at night and watch out for fences, guide wires and other objects that are more difficult to spot at night.

  Avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. If it can't be avoided, check ice conditions beforehand. Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit. Carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible.

  Tell someone of your outing; including where you are going, the route, description of your snowmobile and your expected time of return.

  Never travel alone - always with a friend. Always be prepared for the unexpected.

  Exercise caution at road and rail crossings.

  Never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, even prescription and some over-the-counter drugs can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to make good decisions. If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles, including motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

  Use appropriate hand signals when driving with others before stopping, slowing down or turning. Exercise caution on corners and hills, and always remain on the right-hand side of the trail.

  Never ride on private property without permission of the land owner.

  Dress appropriately. Wear clothing in layers and always carry extra dry clothing with you.

  Carry a survival kit that includes: first aid kit; trail map and compass; matches or lighter in waterproof container; knife, saw or axe; flashlight and whistle; high energy food such as nuts or granola bars; and a mechanical kit that includes: spare spark plug and drive belt; tow rope; extra ignition key; screwdriver, wrenches and hammer; plus the owner's manual.

  Check the weather forecast before heading out. Contact the local snowmobile club to find out current trail and ice conditions.

  For more information on safe snowmobiling, visit the Ministry of Transportation's website at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/topics/snowmobile.shtml