Call it ironic or just plain sad, but an Operation Red Nose volunteer was on the receiving end over the weekend of the type of thing the service was launched to avoid.
Prince George RCMP said a 20-year-old driver of a pickup truck blew through a stop sign at Weisbrod and Dagg roads early morning Sunday and struck a pickup being driven by an Operation Red Nose volunteer.
The offending driver showed signs of being impaired by alcohol and was subsequently issued a 90-day roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days. He was also issued a violation ticket for driving contrary to his licensing restrictions.
Name of the offending driver was not provided.
"Thankfully, no one suffered serious injury in the collision," Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said. "We are grateful for the Operation Red Nose volunteers for their help in trying to ensure everyone has a safe ride home this holiday season and encourage more drivers to make use of this service."
Operation Red Nose volunteers act as designated drivers for holiday season revellers who need a safe ride home. It's a matter of calling ORN at 250-962-7433 or 250-962-RIDE then handing over your keys once a volunteer shows up.
They will be back out on the road this Friday and Saturday nights and on New Years Eve.
"There’s no excuse to drink and drive," said local ICBC road safety coordinator Doug Mac Donald. "If your celebrations involve alcohol, please plan ahead for a safe ride home - arrange a designated driver, call a taxi, take transit or use Operation Red Nose. Help keep B.C. roads safe for everyone this holiday season."
