The season of celebrations is starting for this year and it seems that more of us are taking our celebrations on the road. The daily news perpetually reporting the latest alcohol related tragedy or discussing the consequences that have been put in place to prevent the same tragedy. One of the first reported criminal cases regarding drinking and driving in Canada was in Alberta in 1920 and over 90 years later the message that driving while intoxicated is unlawful is not getting through. Have we fallen down on getting this message out? And when do changes to the laws necessitate the message being heard?
The idea of upgrading the laws and increasing consequences to deter people from driving while impaired is imminent. Premier Redford has indicated that tougher laws are a top priority. A priority, that if we follow B.C.’s lead will lower alcohol related fatalities, injuries and property damage. I believe that these changes cannot be instituted in Alberta quick enough – it is a no brainer – and we can no longer ignore that increased consequences deliver results. For those of us who abide by the laws and take driving under the influence and the consequences seriously, the updated laws will have little effect on our daily lives.
Currently the main offenders of impaired driving are young males. In 2008, males accounted for 96 per cent of fatally injured drunk drivers. How do we get the message to young males that impaired driving is not socially acceptable behaviour and that the consequences of one decision can be fatal? I think the answer is multi-faceted. Firstly, increased consequences are necessary. The ability to have one’s vehicle impounded for three days, in addition to fines, for being in the proposed warning range of 0.05 to 0.08 is a serious consequence. It is a warning that the outcome of driving while under the influence may well have serious and ultimately tragic results. Secondly, the continued messaging that society does not accept impaired driving and that young males do not have to demonstrate their bravado with feats of alcoholic heroism. And lastly, we need to ensure that alternatives to driving are available, including access to public transportation, taxi services and the ubiquitous phone call to a friend or parent. As is true with most life lessons, the parent factor may be the most important consequence for young drivers as parents think twice about passing over the keys to the family vehicle when there is the possibility that alcohol may be involved and their vehicle may be impounded if their young driver indulges.
For those who believe that the potential changes to the law will limit our personal freedoms and will allow the police to become roadside judge, jury and executioner, I say wonderful. I am thankful that my personal freedom has been protected and that I will make it home to my family this holiday season, knowing that the road is safer and there are fewer drunk drivers as a result of the discretion of a highly trained professional whose duty it is to uphold the law.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable holiday season full of responsible and safe celebrations.
Tanya Doran is an enthusiastic St. Albert resident.
