A new free service called Operation Red Nose launches tomorrow that provides volunteer designated drivers to get drunks and their cars home safely. The service already runs in places like Sudbury and Aurora, and now festive partygoers in the Distillery District can try it out this Wednesday, December 12 to Saturday, December 15.
The program is fairly flexible since drivers can request service as often as necessary to get from one place to the next. In addition, Operation Red Nose is not limited to people who are impaired from alcohol, but also for those who are sick, fatigued, or generally unable to drive. However, the service is only for people with cars: Operation Red Nose is not a taxi service. From the Distillery District, people who need the service can call 416-644-4964.
Operation Red Nose runs in eight provinces, and last year the program helped 10,500 people get home safely in Ontario alone. If the Distillery District test run goes well, then service could expand to more of the downtown core. The service is free, but donations can be made to benefit local youth organizations. If you're interested in volunteering, you can call 416-644-4964 or send your information to lrobinson@ibc.ca.
Photo by sevennine from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
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Wow, incredible idea. Philly could definitely use something like this.
It is a great idea. I wish it spreads to cover the whole city. I even think this is a program that could run full year, albeit with a small fee to cover administrative costs. (Imagine being able to pick up a chit from the bar, or even pre-paying for a pack o chits and handing them out to friends who've had too much?)
I was worried about it encouraging people to drink more now that they knew there was a safety net, but the benefit outweighs the risk. Obviously, it would be best if people didn't drink at all if they were driving, but self-restraint isn't something drunk drivers possess.
I'm surprised it's just starting here in Toronto. We had it in Belleville for what seems like a decade now.
I wonder if the insurance involved in this program stopped it from spreading to the downtown core? I can't wait to hear the participation numbers.
Opération Nez Rouge has been a going concern in Québec for some time, too. "Your Wacky Nez Rouge Anecdotes" is, I think, a seasonal feature of one of the Gatineau or Montréal papers.