Ah, Christmas time.
A time of good cheer and fellowship…
Here’s a happy seasonal story: ‘twas on an evening clear when … “Dec. 8, 11:45 p.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services conducted a vehicle checkpoint in the west end of St. John’s. As a result, a 39-year-old male driver blew a warning on the approved screening device. His vehicle was seized and he received a seven-day driving suspension.”
Oh wait, that’s not so cheery.
Hmm… How about, the snow fell gently on the rows of cut Christmas trees near the road when … “Dec. 9, 12:35 a.m., RNC Operation Patrol Services conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of C.B.S. The 37-year-old female driver subsequently failed a roadside screening device. She was arrested for impaired driving and was to be conveyed to the police station for further testing but she refused. She was charged and released for court at a later date. Her vehicle was seized and her driver’s licence suspended.”
Here’s a happy seasonal story: ‘twas on an evening clear when … “Dec. 8, 11:45 p.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services conducted a vehicle checkpoint in the west end of St. John’s…
Darn. Well, all the Whos down in Whoville were … “Dec. 7, 5 p.m., Operational Patrol Services responded to a report of a two vehicle accident in the area of Hamilton Avenue, St. John’s. When police arrived they determined one driver, a 48-year-old male, was under the influence of alcohol. He was detained to take the breathalyzer. He is charged with impaired driving and refusal of the breathalyzer. He was held for court in the morning. There were no injuries as a result of the accident.”
So, Good King Wenceslas looked out on… “Dec. 8, 1:35 a.m., Operational Patrol Services conducted a traffic safety stop on Topsail Road in Mount Pearl. The male operator was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was conveyed to the Mount Pearl office to take the breathalyzer. The male was charged with impaired driving and refusal of the breathalyzer.”
A festive time for young and old alike… “Dec. 5, 11:55 p.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services conducted a traffic safety stop on a vehicle in the centre city area of St. John’s. As a result of the traffic stop the 18-year-old male driver was issued a driver’s licence suspension for driving over the provincial legal limit for alcohol. His vehicle was also impounded.”
Oh, and, “Dec. 5, 12 p.m., RNC Operational Patrol Services received a complaint of a possible impaired driver in the centre city area of St. John’s. Police located and stopped the vehicle. As a result of the police investigation the 64-year-old driver was arrested for impaired driving and failing the breathalyzer. His driver’s licence was suspended, his vehicle was impounded ….”
We give up.
Here’s an idea: don’t become your own bad-news Christmas story. Plan ahead. Don’t drink or do drugs and drive. Call a taxi.
Be good, for goodness sake.
This editorial was originally published in The Telegram, St. John's, N.L.
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