The spirit of Christmas is fast approaching and I have received my Christmas gift already. My gift is the ruling on a challenge to the new roadside penalties. Justice Jon Sigurdson said the increased roadside penalties for blowing in the "warn" range of blood alcohol, from 0.05 to 0.08 per cent, are permissible. And for those drivers who blow in the "fail" range above 0.08 should have a chance to challenge the decision if their vehicles are impounded for 30 days and they face thousands of dollars in administrative penalties. I also think that for those in the 'fail' range the law should revert back to the way it was a year ago and stay that way. The Police would have the option of determining whether or not a criminal charge is warranted, and in that case they could face criminal charges and a 90-day administrative driving prohibition, a $500 fine and impounding the vehicle for 30 days. And have to take a mandatory "responsible driver" course at another cost of $1,420. Seems like it is quite costly to drink and drive.
Taking a taxi or arranging for a designated driver would be a lot cheaper and safer.
I have to ask what is the cost of the death or serious injury of a son, daughter, mother, father and or a friend?
I have been asking for such changes to the drunk driving legislation since Gordon Campbell's drunk driving conviction in Hawaii, January, 2003. During my discussions with the then Premier of BC regarding my son Shane and his four friends deaths, after an impaired driving accident on Feb. 26, 1997, he promised to get tough on drunk drivers. Well he never did.
Just think about the number of lives that could have been saved if the government of the day had shown leadership and implemented the new legislation that is now in place. In the very first year of this new legislation we see 40% less deaths. It is very sad when greed by governments and drinking establishments get in the way of saving lives. Shame on all of you!
Thank you.
Grieving father Edward Mazur,
Prince George, BC
