Drinking and driving takes a toll on hundreds of people every year, with injuries and even deaths. The financial costs can also be crippling if you're convicted.
Danny Gerardy takes the bus everywhere he goes. Sometimes, it's his only option
“It sucks, especially in this weather,” he said with a chuckle.
Gerardy was convicted for drunk driving three years ago. He's disputing the conviction because he said it's more than just an inconvenience.
“I'm having trouble getting back into my career because of it, because I'm a heavy-duty mechanic and to get back in the field you usually need a driver's license.”
Winnipeg police say the bottom line is don't drink and drive.
"There is a small percentage that, quite simply, aren't getting it,” said Const. Jason Michalyshen. “They are willing to take that risk. They're willing to take that chance, and it's not just them that's taking that chance. They're ultimately playing roulette with all of our lives."
For those who manage to make it home alive without injuring anyone, aconviction for driving with a blood alcohol level of more than .08 means paying hundreds of dollars in fines and fees and possibly losing driving privileges.
On the first conviction alone, costs could include towing and impound charges of $500. You'd need $625 for a mandatory assessment to get your driver's licence back. To hire a lawyer could cost at $5,000, on top of a fine of at least $1,000.
And when you get your licence back in a year, you will need to get an ignition interlock system installed for about $2,000, not to mention the demerits on your driving record that will drive your insurance costs up.
All told, you could be paying more than $10,000 on your first drunk driving conviction.
“It's not worth it. It's not worth it at all,” said Gerardy.
Winnipeg police and Manitoba Public Insurance agree, especially with so many options for getting home safely.
"Have a designated driver. Phone Operation Red Nose. Call a cab. Sleep over,” said Brian Smiley of MPI. “But the time to think about what you're going to do is not at the end of the evening, when you've already consumed alcohol."
The festive check stop program continues until New Year's Eve. Anyone charged with impaired driving also risks their name being made public by police.
Winnipeg police say while .08 is the legal limit for driving after you've consumed alcohol, that standard is different for everyone. Police say the best way to avoid a conviction or injury is not to drive at all, after you've been drinking.
- With a report by Sheila North Wilson
