It's Time for Action!

In a few weeks the government will be presenting a full scale report on impaired driving in British Columbia. The report will contain the government's recommendations on proposed changes to our impaired driving laws. The report is meant to generate public debate and discussion on the proposed changes.

Despite recent communication with both the Premier and the Solicitor General's office we are unable to confirm any of the proposed changes. However, unofficially we have been informed that the changes will include 90 day suspensions for drivers who receive two 24-hour roadside suspensions in two years. The proposed changes may also include the use of ignition interlock devices on the vehicles of repeat offender impaired drivers. They may also include a mandatory rehabilitation program for repeat offenders before their driving privileges would be reinstated.

If in fact, these are the changes the Solicitor General will propose RRID fully supports all of these changes. For over fifteen years, RRID, MADD and BCAA have been calling for these changes. For over fifteen years various government departments have been working to develop and implement these changes.

Can it be that in the year 2003 we will finally get past the implementation stage and make these changes reality? We believe it will.

Will these changes make a difference? We believe they will.

According to Transport Canada, nation-wide, the total number of alcohol-related crash deaths has dropped below 1,000 for the first time since statistics have been available. According to their report The Alcohol-Crash Problem in Canada: 2000, a total of 981 people died in alcohol-related crashes in the year 2000.

A significant factor in this decrease in the number of deaths has been the fact that between 1988 and 2001, Ontario drinking and driving fatalities dropped by over half, from 439 to 204. Ontario introduced both an assessment and rehabilitation program and the alcohol ignition interlock. The statistics show that Ontario's approach to impaired driving is working.

Each year there are approximately 3,900 impaired driving charges laid in B.C., but 44,000 impaired drivers receive 24-hour roadside suspensions. RRID has always considered roadside suspensions to be "get out of jail free cards". We strongly support giving points or fines for roadside suspensions perhaps, then the repeat offenders will get the message that impaired driving is illegal and unacceptable.

For many years B.C. has been behind the other provinces in introducing effective measures to deal with impaired drivers. If these proposed changes become law B.C. will become one of the leaders in the fight against impaired driving.

But before these proposed measures will be approved the public must show support for them. That is why the government is issuing the report for public debate and discussion. RRID urges you to get involved. Be sure to express your support for these measures. It is anticipated the report will be made public in about six weeks time. You can read about it in your newspaper or visit the government website at www.gov.bc.ca

RRID, MADD and BCAA have been strongly urging the government to implement programs like these for over a decade. Citizens across the province have repeatedly expressed support for such programs.

We must send a clear, concise message to the government that we support and endorse these measures. Join us in urging the government to act on these matters with haste. Let's not wait for any more innocent victims to die because an impaired driver got behind the wheel. It is time for action.

Joan Parsons
President
Rid Roads of Impaired Drivers

Where to make your opinion count:

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Honourable Rich Coleman

Back to Current Comments