Be aware of the consequences of drinking and driving

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There are many reasons why driving after you've had a few drinks is a bad idea. The main one, of course, is that every time you get behind the wheel after you've consumed alcohol, you're putting your life, and the lives of others, at risk.

But there are also serious legal implications if you get caught drinking and driving.

In Saskatchewan, if you are found to be driving with a blood alcohol content of .04 and it is your first offence, you will automatically lose your licence for 24 hours. If it's not your first offence, you may have to complete a Driving Without Impairment course on top of your suspension.

If you are pulled over on the suspicion that you are impaired and you refuse to take a breathalyser test, or are convicted of having a blood alcohol content of .08, you will lose your licence for anywhere from one to five years, and will be required to attend an addictions screening.

Once you complete an addictions screening, you will then have to attend either a Driving Without Impairment course, or enter into an alcohol and drug recovery program, and will be required to complete the course or program before your licence is reinstated. You will not get your licence back until the required program is completed, even once your period of suspension has ended.

The safest thing is not to drink if you're driving. And if you plan to drink, make arrangements ahead of time for how you will get home. Have a designated driver-many establishments in Saskatchewan are part of the Have Someone for the Road program, and provide complimentary non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers. Call a cab. Or if you're at a private home and plan to drink, also plan to spend the night.

And if you are planning to host holiday gatherings, remember that you are responsible for ensuring your guests don't drink and drive. Have non-alcoholic alternatives on hand, monitor the amount your guests have to drink, and make sure no one drives if they've had too much.

For a list of tips for party hosts of ways to keep your guests from drinking and driving this holiday season, visit the Canada Safety Council Web site at www.safety-council.org/news/media/releases/nov3-socialhost.html.

For an overview of how Saskatchewan's drinking and driving laws affect you, go to the Saskatchewan Health Web site at www.health.gov.sk.ca//rr_d_and_d_laws.html.