What can it cost you and others?
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol is the single largest criminal
cause of death in Canada.
- There are approximately 1,500 fatalities resulting from impaired driving every
year in Canada.
- The death rate from impaired driving is three times the national murder rate.
- Drinking and driving puts everyone on the road, including you, at risk for
death and injury.
- A first time impaired driving offence is punishable in Canada by a loss of
license for one year plus a fine. For the second offence, the driver can lose
their license for up to three years in addition to a fine and possible jail
time. Subsequent offences could mean lifetime license suspension, fines and jail
time. If the impaired driver is found guilty of causing bodily harm or death,
they can be punished by sentences of ten or more years in jail.
Ignition Interlock
On top of license suspensions, fines, jail time, and educational workshops,
impaired drivers will now have to participate in Ontario's Ignition Interlock
Program.
Once convicted of impaired driving and after you have fulfilled the license
suspension period, drivers that want to start driving right a way will need to
install an ignition interlock system in their vehicle for a minimum of one year and
at their own expense.
This system works by requiring a breath sample from the driver before allowing
them to start his or her car. If the machine detects that the driver's Blood Alcohol
Concentration (BAC) is over the pre-set limit of 0.02, the car will not start. Once
driving, he or she will need to provide random breath samples at periodic times. If
these samples are not provided, the system will issue a warning, record the event
and activate a specific alarm system (e.g. lights flashing, horn honking etc.) until
the car is turned off (MTO).
Everyone who drives such a vehicle will need to participate in the program,
including family and friends. If caught driving without the device such drivers are
subject to more fines and extended driving restrictions.
More information:
www.mto.gov.on.ca
Prevention is Key
You have the power to minimize your risk. Never drive while under the influence
of alcohol or other substances and never be a passenger in a car with a driver who
has been drinking or is impaired from another substance such as cannabis (pot). Your
life is too important to take these risks. Here are some alternative ideas to
driving impaired or to letting someone who is impaired drive you anywhere:
- Choose a reliable designated driver who you can trust not to drink or do
drugs.
- If you choose to drink and have no designated driver to take you home:
- Call a family member or friend to pick you up
- Take a bus
- Take a taxi
- Walk
- Spend the night
Getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver, or getting behind the wheel after
you have been drinking are not safe options! There are always safer alternatives
that will reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others - make sure you choose
them!
References:
Play it Smart - Health Canada (pamphlet)
"But Everyone Knows …" Myths about Drinking and Driving - ARF (booklet)
MADD Canada website - www.madd.ca
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