As the final hours of 2025 approach, Toronto police are issuing a clear and urgent message to anyone planning to celebrate: make a safe travel plan before the festivities begin.
A Direct Plea from Police
Ontario Provincial Police Constable Taylor Konkle emphasized the critical importance of pre-planning to keep roads safe for everyone. The core advice is straightforward: "If you plan on driving, don't drink." This simple directive forms the backbone of the annual holiday safety campaign, which aims to prevent tragedies that have marred celebrations in the past.
Police are reminding the public that impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, remains one of the leading causes of death and injury on Canadian roads. With many people attending parties and gatherings on December 31, 2025, authorities stress that deciding on a sober ride home should be the first part of any New Year's Eve plan.
Context of the Warning
This annual warning comes amidst other notable incidents on Toronto roads, underscoring the ever-present dangers. Police recently reported that an elderly woman killed in a Midtown hit-and-run was struck by two vehicles, a tragic event that highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians and the consequences of irresponsible driving.
Furthermore, revellers must also contend with challenging weather conditions. Forecasts indicate that bitterly cold temperatures are on tap for New Year's Eve in Toronto, which can create hazardous road conditions and increase the risks associated with driving, especially for those who are impaired.
Consequences and the Call for Responsibility
The consequences of impaired driving are severe and far-reaching. They range from immediate legal penalties, such as license suspension, hefty fines, and potential criminal charges, to the irreversible human cost of injury or loss of life. Police services across the Greater Toronto Area typically increase patrols and set up roadside checkpoints on New Year's Eve to identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads.
Authorities encourage several safe alternatives:
- Designating a sober driver within your group.
- Using public transit, which often offers extended holiday service.
- Booking a taxi or rideshare service in advance.
- Arranging to stay overnight at the location of the celebration.
The police message is part of a broader societal push for responsibility. As the city hosts a wide variety of official festivities to ring in 2026, the hope is that everyone will make it home safely to enjoy the start of the new year. The plea from Constable Konkle and the Toronto police serves as a crucial reminder that a moment of poor judgment can alter lives forever, making advance planning the most important celebration detail of all.
