In the News

N.B. ranks 2nd worst in MADD report
CBC – New Brunswick
December 3, 2009

NEW.BRUNSWICK (CBC) - New Brunswick has been rated Canada's second-worst region by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for its policies against impaired driving.

New Brunswick came in 12th among the provinces and territories in the latest report card, with a D+. Only Nunavut fared worse with grade of F.

It's demoralizing, says Saint John chapter president Rick McNulty, who got involved with MADD after his daughter and son-in-law were killed by a drunk driver three years ago near Salisbury.

"I think as a chapter, we're doing the best we can, but not getting the results in comparison with other provinces and actually being at the bottom of the pile," he said.

In June 2008, MADD had praised New Brunswick for introducing a new graduated licensing program with a zero tolerance policy for drivers under 21 who have any alcohol in their system.

And McNulty thought the group had made some progress with a 911 program that encourages other motorists to call in information about anyone who appears to be driving while impaired.

That program has resulted in more charges and convictions, he said.

But New Brunswick still lags behind other provinces, said Robert Solomon, a law professor at the University of Western Ontario and author of the report.

"New Brunswick has introduced some legislation but, because the province lacked many of the key features, it still did not do well in rating scale," he said.

New Brunswick should consider implementing some new policies, such as one-week suspensions for anyone with a blood-alcohol level of .05 per cent, or mandatory vehicle ignition locks for anyone with a drunk driving conviction, Solomon suggested.

Also see...

Rating the Provinces