Impaired Driving – know the consequences

November 27, 2013 · 0 Comments

Impaired driving is the act of driving a motor vehicle while your ability is affected by alcohol or drugs. In Canada, impaired driving is the #1 cause of criminal death. Impaired driving seriously injures hundreds of people monthly. If you are arrested for an impaired driving offence, you will lose your licence for 90 days, and your car will be impounded for 7 days. A driver convicted of impaired driving can lose their driver’s licence, be fined, or spend time in jail.

The most common impaired driving offences are:

• Impaired Driving – driving while you are impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, including prescription or illegal drugs

• Over 80 – Driving with a blood alcohol level that is more than 80 milligrams in 100 milliltres of blood

• Refusal – Failure or refusal to do physical sobriety tests or give a breath or blood sample when demanded, without a reasonable excuse.

These are all offences under the Criminal Code of Canada, and hold a minimum punishment of a $1000 fine, a one year license suspension, and an education/treatment program for first offence. If a person is convicted for a second or third time, they will spend time in jail and their license could be suspended for life.

Local police are committed to reducing impaired driving. Through R.I.D.E. programs, education and aggressive enforcement, we hope to stop this serious criminal offence before it is committed. You can help, by using a designated driver, taking public transportation or a taxi, or staying over at a friend’s. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

With your help, we can stop tragedy before it occurs.