Earlier this year the Supreme Court upheld B.C.’s tough drunk-driving laws which were implemented in 2010 and were designed to save lives. In 2012, constitutional challenges and concerns were addressed by amending the legislation like ensuring every driver stopped is offered a second test, on another device, by another officer. This year’s ruling establishes limits and puts emphasis on police oversight and drivers’ rights.
On the flip side, drinking and driving is still a rampant problem on the roads. Getting a DUI is probably the silver lining as the alternate is injury or death for the culprit or innocent lives. The RCMP ramps up road blocks for drinking and driving during the holiday season and some aren’t so lucky to be caught, like this drunk driver who crashed into several parked cars last week.
“At around 11pm a drunk driver crashed into 4 cars on 8th Ave near 13th Street in New Westminster. The drunk driver did not stop and continued driving. Witnesses to the crash followed the male and called 911. The drunk driver ended up several blocks away where he crashed into a tree. The driver tried to escape but the witnesses following him tackled him and held the male for police. The male was arrested and transported to hospital for his injuries.”
B.C. has some of the country’s strictest driving impaired laws. Consequences include license suspensions, education, jail time, fines, vehicle impounding and additional conditions. Consequences are in effect for a BAC above 0.05 and increased consequences for a BAC above 0.08.
Written by: Amar Mirchandani @amarmirch
