Legislation tabled in Queen’s Park recently, saw the Ontario Government looking to implement tougher penalties for those caught driving under the influence. The proposed legislation includes mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices for those convicted of impaired driving. These devices prevent vehicles from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s system. Additionally, lifetime driving bans will be imposed on individuals convicted of causing death while driving impaired.
In a bid to address the rise in drug and alcohol-related driving incidents, the new measures will also increase immediate roadside license suspensions. First-time offenders will face a suspension of seven days, up from three, while second-time offenders will see their suspension period doubled to 14 days. Eric Dumschat, Legal Director of MADD Canada, expressed strong support for these changes.
With these measures, Ontario aims to significantly reduce impaired driving incidents and enhance the safety of its roads – and while there is a strong emotional component to the harm that impaired driving can cause, Dumschat says that there’s a practical element to it as well.
In Ontario, one in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving. Moreover, a 2022 roadside survey found that one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both. The percentage of drivers killed while under the influence of cannabis more than doubled between 2012 and 2020. The hope is that these new penalties will serve as a strong deterrent and ultimately save lives.
MADD Canada and other advocacy groups have long called for such reforms to reduce the number of repeat offenders and hold impaired drivers accountable. The government’s initiative also includes providing more tools and training for police to better detect and address cannabis-impaired driving.
Written by: B. Shakyaver