MADD Canada

MADD Canada Releases

Ontario drivers face longer licence suspensions
for BACs at or above 0.05%

MADD Canada urges Ontario drivers to be aware of new roadside suspension penalties taking effect May 1

April 30, 2009 - MADD Canada is reminding Ontario drivers that, effective May 1, 2009, they could lose their licences for 3 to 30 days if they are found with BACs at or over 0.05%.

“The days of someone losing their licence for a few hours and getting it back the next day are gone,” says MADD Canada Chief Executive Officer Andrew Murie. “If someone drives after consuming alcohol and is stopped with a BAC at or above 0.05%, that person is going to lose their driver’s licence for 3 to 30 days.”

Under the new Ontario law, drivers must pay to get their licences back, and face mandatory alcohol education programs and alcohol ignition interlock conditions for repeat offences.

MADD Canada has produced a new public service announcement, called Tossing the Dice, to help Ontarians understand the law and comply with it. To view the PSA, visit the MADD Canada web site at www.madd.ca.

“What we’re telling people is that impaired driving simply isn’t worth the risks,” says Mr. Murie. “You could lose your licence and, more importantly, you could kill or injure yourself and others.”

On average, four people are killed and 207 people are injured in impaired driving crashes every day in Canada.

The implementation of the new law comes just two days after the national launch of MADD Canada’s Campaign 911, an annual awareness program that encourages and empowers people to call 911 if they suspect an impaired driver.

“Campaign 911 is a critical way for all Canadians to help take impaired drivers off our roads. If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911,” says Mr. Murie. “Every call could prevent a crash, save a life or prevent an injury.”

About MADD Canada

MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

As the pre-eminent voice for impaired driving victims, MADD Canada includes not only mothers, but fathers, siblings, friends, business professionals, experts in the impaired driving field, concerned citizens and young people who want to make a difference in the fight against impaired driving. If you need help or would like to join our mission, call MADD Canada today at 1-800-665-6233.

For more information, visit www.madd.ca or contact:

Andrew Murie, Chief Executive Officer, at 1-800-665-6233, ext. 224 or (cell phone) 416-720-7642.

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