The provincial government has unveiled its new impaired driving regulations, and while they represent a step forward, they aren’t as tough as they could have been, or should have been.
Let’s start with the good news. Motorists who drive with a blood alcohol content between .04 and .07 will now have their vehicle seized for three days, to go along with a three-day driving suspension already being enforced. It should dissuade a few more people from driving after they have had a few drinks, but wouldn’t breath over .08 on a breathalyzer.
There’s also zero tolerance for motorists under the age of 21 who drive while under the influence, regardless of whether it’s due to drugs or alcohol.
Finally, there will be more stringent laws regarding vehicle interlock systems. A motorist who drives while over .16, or refuses a breath sample, will get one of those interlock systems for their vehicle for a year. Each subsequent violation will yield additional time with an interlock.
The proviso for those who refuse a breath sample is a step forward. There is absolutely zero reason to deny a request for a breath sample, unless, of course, you are impaired.
Hopefully, these tougher new laws represent a starting point, because the government still has work to do.
There is nothing on tougher punishments for those who are caught driving while impaired for the first time, or on subsequent occasions. Nothing in there about longer jail sentences or stiffer fines or lengthier driving suspensions.
Want to get really tough on impaired drivers? Dole out bigger fines and longer driving suspensions. If they deserve jail time, then dish out much stiffer sentences.
Is it time to punish anyone who drives after drinking any alcohol? No, although don’t be surprised if that happens many years from now.
There is absolutely no reason for anyone to drive while impaired in the 21st century. We have the messages about the dangers of impaired driving drilled into us from when we are teenagers. We know that it puts our lives at risk, and the lives of others at risk.
The provincial government needed to take action on impaired driving. The number of fatalities in Saskatchewan each year is staggering. And the sad thing is, each one of them is preventable.
The shocking arrest of former deputy premier Don McMorris earlier this year on an impaired driving charge was one of a number of high-profile impaired driving incidents this year. Fortunately, McMorris’ actions didn’t result in an accident. His career and reputation suffered the harm.
Attitudes towards impaired driving need to change in this province. It’s not acceptable to drive while impaired, regardless of whether we’re driving in a city, on a busy highway or a quiet rural road.
Some tougher punishments and some new regulations on impaired driving will help remedy what is, inexplicably, a recurring problem.
