Westworld Alberta

W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 43 course, many participants share similar experiences about how they ended up in the classroom. "It's many of the same stories about how they were unlucky, helping a friend, didn't have a choice or it's the first time they've driven impaired," says Jones. "is only reinforces the underlying themes of the program – bad choices and the need to have an action plan when drinking." By the end of the half-day course, participants learn how alcohol and drugs impairs their driving skills and come to fully grasp the risks of driving impaired. They walk away with the tools to avoid impaired driving. Not all who drive impaired are alcoholics, but those who are repeatedly convicted tend to engage in risky behaviours and lifestyle choices. Getting to the root of these problems and understanding the effects of alcohol and drugs on one's driving ability is the goal of the one-day Planning Ahead Course for those convicted for the first time of driving with a BAC over 0.08. It's a peer learning environment where partici- pants actively engage in group sessions. Without judgement, participants share their personal experi- ences with alcohol and drugs and vocalize what led them to get behind the wheel while they were drunk. "We ask a lot of questions that are very pointed, very challenging. We ask if this was the first time they have driven impaired. How many times have they done it and not been caught?" Sadly, many AIDP participants admit that they've driven impaired dozens, if not hundreds of times, before being caught. Drinking or using drugs can be habitual. For 10, 20, 30 years, they've always taken their car when going out, never used a taxi. ey don't see why they should change now, espe- cially since they've never been caught or been in a collision. ey like the status quo. For many Planning Ahead participants, it's the first time they've connected the dots and realized they may have a problem separating drinking or drugs from driving. In class, they collaborate on Plan for a ride home if you're heading out for drinks. To find a designated driver service in your com- munity, go to ama.ab.ca/ DesignatedDriver No matter where you are in Canada, you don't need to know the phone number for a taxi. Dial #TAXI and you'll be connected with the next available company line that's free. "WE'RE NOT SAYING TO PEOPLE, 'DON'T DRINK.' WE'RE SAYING TO PEOPLE, 'DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.' " Mick Jones manages the Alberta Impaired Drivers Program (AIDP) for AMA

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