Ontario Taking Impaired Drivers Off the Road

The Ontario government is cracking down on impaired driving by introducing legislation that, if passed, would impose stiffer penalties for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs – including a lifetime licence suspension for those convicted of impaired driving causing death.

“Everyone deserves to return home to their loved ones safely at the end of the day,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Too many families in Ontario have had their lives torn apart by the careless and shameful actions of impaired drivers. That’s why our government is introducing tough new measures, including lifetime licence suspensions, that will protect families and keep our communities safe.”

Additionally, the government will require anyone convicted of impaired driving to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and undergo mandatory remedial education and treatment for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offences respectively.

“Mothers Against Drunk Driving commends the Ontario government for taking steps to make roads safer and hold impaired drivers accountable,” said Steve Sullivan, CEO of MADD Canada. “Despite progress, too many people are still making the choice to drive impaired, and we need to ensure sanctions hold drivers accountable while focusing on reducing recidivism.”

The proposed legislation would also increase immediate roadside licence suspensions for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offences and clarify police authority to stop vehicles and/or administer sobriety tests for drivers on or off the highway.

In response to increasing instances of cannabis-impaired driving, the government will also work to provide additional tools and training to help police officers detect drug-impaired driving and launch a province-wide campaign to highlight the dangers of drug-impaired driving, with a focus on cannabis and young drivers.

“This proposed legislation will toughen penalties for all impaired driving and save lives. Paramedics know all too well the catastrophic injuries and tragic deaths on Ontario’s roads caused by alcohol and drug-impaired driving.”

Michael Sanderson
President of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs and Chief of Hamilton Paramedic Service

“Good Roads supports the Ontario government’s proposed measures to combat impaired driving. Reckless motorist behaviour such as speeding and impaired driving are on the rise, and penalties must increase to serve as an effective deterrent. Our municipal members are pleased by the province’s proactive approach to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

 Scott Butler
Executive Director, Good Roads

EN: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004598/ontario-taking-impaired-drivers-off-the-road

FR:  https://news.ontario.ca/fr/release/1004598/lontario-retire-de-la-route-les-conducteurs-en-etat-debriete