B.C.s new drunk driving laws

[JLM]

If there was zero tolerance (0.00) then that would eliminate the problem of those who forget after one drink, how many drinks they've had, or the ones who equate one bucketful to one drink.

 

[Bar Sinister]

And it's changed even more from when I was in my teens. When I was in my 20s I hardly drove anywhere without a beer. We'd go hunting with a loaded rifle and beer right on the front seat. ONe other thing has changed too though, you didn't see as much idiocy among young people then with kids screaming around in vehicles- we all did stupid things but we didn't get the idea we were superman either. Of course most of society wasn't into drugs in those days. That's probably the main difference.

True enough, but when I was in my teens there were no seatbelts or airbags in cars, school playgrounds had dangerous equipment like teetertotters and swings, anyone could buy a rifle at the age of 14, and we used lead paint for everything. One of the few constants is that we still have people who think it is OK to get behind the wheel of a one or two ton vehicle and take it out while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

 

[Omicron]

In Sweden, anyone with any detectable amount of alchohol on their breath loses his/her drivers license for life, such that parents hearing their kids are going to a party offer car-keys to their kids, knowing it means their kids can't get drunk if being the driver.

I South Africa, white drunk drivers were fined $25,000 and/or ten years in jail, while blacks had a maximum sentence of six months.

 

[Ron in Regina]

Sweden: On DWI Laws in OTher Countries

For first offense with no aggravating circumstances, fines are imposed. For a BAC level
between .02 and .10, the amount of the fine is determined by income level as well as
BAC level and the circumstances.

For BAC level between .03 and .10, licenses may be revoked for 2 to 12 months depending
on the circumstances and the BAC level. Above .10, a minimum 12 months and a maximum
36 months loss of license.

If BAC level is greater than .10, imprisonment for 1 to 2 months. A drunk driver who causes
an accident involving a fatality can be imprisoned up to 6 years.

Fines are usually not applicable for repeat offenders. Heavy fines if applied. License suspension
for repeat offenders: Below .10 BAC, close to 12 months; and above .10, well above 12 months.

The driver may be imprisoned in a facility designed especially for drunken drivers, and may be
required to undergo a treatment program for alcohol dependency. Recently, more and more
drunk drivers are given formal prison sentences but serve them at home under electronic
surveillance.

South Africa: Arrive Alive South Africa|Drunk Driving and Road Safety

....where such person is the holder of a driving licence or a licence and permit, shall be suspended in the case of -
(i) a first offence - for a period of at least six months
(ii) a second offence, for a period of at least five years; or
(ii) a third or subsequent offence, for a period of at least ten years.

.....and: The Insurance Repercussions of Drinking and Driving

Be aware that the maximum penalty for drinking and driving in South Africa is a R120 000 fine
and/or six years in prison. In addition, your driver's license may possibly be suspended, and
your car may be confiscated by the Asset Forfeiture Unit. ($120,000 ZAR=$17,562.44CAD)

 

[Ron in Regina]

In Sweden, anyone with any detectable amount of alchohol on their breath loses his/her drivers license for life, such that parents hearing their kids are going to a party offer car-keys to their kids, knowing it means their kids can't get drunk if being the driver.

I South Africa, white drunk drivers were fined $25,000 and/or ten years in jail, while blacks had a maximum sentence of six months.

Uhm...can you post something (other than a LINK to a BC Blog, etc...) to back up what you're
claiming here as facts in Sweden & South Africa?

 

[JLM]

This article appeared in Yesterdays local newspaper, and I think it portrays very well just the type of imbecile the new law is trying to remove from our roads.

Vernon Morning Star - Motorist collides with new legislation

I love it.

 

[taxslave]

Or use a designated driver or walk to the restaurant.

All fine and good if there is a restaurant with in walking distance and/or your community has a taxi.
Having cleaned up the aftermath of drunk drivers I am all in favor of getting them off the road, BUT my understanding of the new laws buts too much power in police hands and is more like a tax grab.

 

[JLM]

All fine and good if there is a restaurant with in walking distance and/or your community has a taxi.
Having cleaned up the aftermath of drunk drivers I am all in favor of getting them off the road, BUT my understanding of the new laws buts too much power in police hands and is more like a tax grab.

I'm hoping the average sensible cop will use the new tool primarily as a means to get the irresponsible, idiots off the road.

 

[taxslave]

I'm hoping the average sensible cop will use the new tool primarily as a means to get the irresponsible, idiots off the road.

I think you put too much faith in the police. I have problems with their being able to impound your vehicle and issue a fine at their discretion. Without a breath sample how do you fight it in court and how would you recover the towing and storage costs? Apparently they can impound the vehicle even when it is not the registered owner driving.
I recently got stopped in a road block and got a ticket for not having my license on me even though I was returning home from the fire hall after responding to a call. Hows that for ignorant?

 

[JLM]

I think you put too much faith in the police. I have problems with their being able to impound your vehicle and issue a fine at their discretion. Without a breath sample how do you fight it in court and how would you recover the towing and storage costs? Apparently they can impound the vehicle even when it is not the registered owner driving.
I recently got stopped in a road block and got a ticket for not having my license on me even though I was returning home from the fire hall after responding to a call. Hows that for ignorant?

Very!!!!!!!!! I think had it been me I'd have taken the ticket to the staff sergeant and explained nicely to him that the matter can be settled here and now, hence not making it necessary for me to send a letter to the editor of every major newspaper in the province. I always thought there was co operation between the cops and the fire dept.