In the News

Tougher rules are needed
The Times
March 12, 2010

Just when you think you've heard everything about the decline of our society, along comes another punch to the stomach.

We're talking about the fact that the number of incidents of people driving while drunk or high is going up.

Yes, you heard us correctly.

It's actually on the rise.

That's according to B.C. Solicitor-General Kash Heed, who announced last week that he will soon introduce legislation to crack down on impaired driving.

After the millions that have been spent on TV and radio ads warning people about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, things are actually getting worse.

People generally seem more aware of the dangers of such behaviour. We figured that after years of public campaigns raising awareness about the issue that more people would get the message and start curbing their behaviour.

We figured wrong.

Apparently some people are dumber than we thought. Or just more selfish.

Unlike smokers, who over the decades have started to butt out in greater numbers, people who drink and do drugs aren't changing their behaviour.

Just last month, a car full of Olympic revellers struck a light standard and became airborne, killing two and critically injuring three others. Police have said alcohol and speed are believed to have been factors in the crash.

Heed is paying attention to such incidents and wants to take action, although he hasn't offered any specifics.

We hope he follows through on his warning. We hope that people finally start getting smart and planning ahead.

Meanwhile, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has offered some suggested changes for Heed:

- Introduce a seven-to 14-day licence suspension for drivers with blood alcohol levels over 0.05 and drivers who police believe are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

- Enact a zero-tolerance provision to require drivers under 21 and drivers who have been licensed for under five years to have no alcohol at all in their blood.

- Give police the power to demand that supervisors of novice drivers identify themselves and present their licences on demand, and ensure that the supervising drivers haven't been drinking.

- Introduce nighttime and high-speed roadway restrictions for novice drivers.