A safe-ride group is recruiting Quebec volunteers in the run-up to New Year’s Eve in an effort to reduce drunk driving.

The organization serves as a driving service during the holidays to help Montrealers get to their destinations safely.

Since its campaign kicked off on Nov. 29, it has given over 40,000 rides from close to 30,000 volunteers in the province so far.

According to the Société de l’Assurence Automobile du Quebec, drunk driving causes 1,800 injuries and 110 deaths on average in Quebec every year.

“If the number of rides rises or remains steady or even decreases slightly but we don’t see an increase in accidents in impaired drivers, well, we can still say mission accomplished, because this means people plan ahead, take their responsibility and act responsibly,” Operation Red Nose spokesperson Julie Martineau said.

Spokeswoman Danielle Vien told The Canadian Press the final night of the year represents a “big challenge” for Operation Red Nose.

Vien said a flood of calls between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. means longer wait times and a greater risk that drivers will shun the service.

Police across the province also aim to ramp up their road presence on Dec. 31.

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