Drivers in Ontario who are caught driving under the influence will now face stricter penalties without the need for a judge’s decision. Effective January 1, the province amended the Highway Traffic Act to include a lifetime suspension of a driver’s license for impaired driving resulting in death. First-time offenders found driving while impaired will have their licenses suspended for seven days, an increase from the previous three-day suspension.
According to Steve Sullivan, the CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, initiatives like these are steps in the right direction in addressing the issue of impaired driving. Previously, driving bans in criminal cases were at the discretion of judges. Sullivan mentioned that implementing automatic bans in specific cases provides a more stringent and consistent approach.
Recently, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that during the holiday RIDE Program, 1,268 individuals were charged with impaired driving in December. In the London area alone, there were 269 charges and 40 warn-range suspensions issued.
Derek Rogers, an OPP spokesperson, expressed astonishment at the continued instances of drinking and driving despite the availability of safe alternatives for transportation. He emphasized law enforcement’s endorsement of new regulations aimed at enhancing public safety.
A significant change includes mandatory education for individuals convicted of impaired driving, now mandated after the first offense rather than the second. Sullivan highlighted the potential benefits of educating offenders on the effects of alcohol on driving abilities.
MADD advocates for the adoption of Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) in Ontario, a system where police officers can directly issue penalties to drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding the legal limit. This approach has been successful in other provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
The revised penalties encompass immediate license suspension, impoundment, fines, ignition interlock devices, and educational programs. Sullivan emphasized the importance of utilizing ignition interlock devices to ensure that individuals convicted of impaired driving are compliant with legal requirements and sober while operating a vehicle.
In light of the high number of impaired driving charges despite increased enforcement efforts, Sullivan emphasized the need for stricter measures to deter such behavior. The recent amendments to the Highway Traffic Act include lifetime license suspension for impaired driving resulting in death, mandatory education for first-time offenders, and extended license suspensions for subsequent offenses.