With the month of August comes the Impaired Driving Awareness campaign.
Many of us have heard of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) or SADD (Students Against Drinking and Driving), but how many of us know what counts as driving impaired?
According to SGI, drivers aged 16-21 with a Blood Alcohol Count (BAC) even as low as 0 to .08 are counted as driving impaired. Those drivers can face charges and have their license suspended for 60 days – 18 months, depending on the number of offences. For more experienced drivers, even a “low” BAC of .04 to .08 will also result in license suspension of 3-90 days, depending on the number of offences. Vehicle impoundment may also happen for 3-7 days, again dependent on the number of offences.
For all drivers, if they are found with any of the three big “no-nos,” 1) driving with a BAC over .08 2) driving while impaired (drugs) or 3) failing to comply with a demand at roadside, they could face immediate and indefinite roadside suspension and vehicle impoundment of 60 days. The indefinite licence suspension means the licence would only be given back after a court hearing, not after a certain period of days. Drug-induced impaired drivers face the same situation as alcohol-induced impaired drivers.
At first glance, it seems that the enforcements on impaired drivers seem overly intense. However, when this is compared to the number of vehicle collisions, injuries and deaths related to impaired driving, it is easier to understand. One such case was the Van de Vorst family, where Jordan, his wife Chanda and their two children, Miguire and Kamryn, were killed by an impaired driver near Saskatoon on Jan. 3, 2016.
With stiff penalties, and sobering consequences such as these, it is more critical than ever to take steps to avoid driving impaired. Of course, we’ve all heard the age-old saying, “don’t drink and drive,” or “don’t do drugs and drive,” but do we have a plan in place to avoid driving after drinking or partaking in drugs?
A simple precaution is to have a plan before consuming alcohol or drugs. This plan could include having a designated driver, a cab or a designated driving service. As a back-up, it is better to call a sober friend or family member to come give you a ride before attempting to drive yourself.
SGI also has the following information to help drivers, passengers and hosts to avoid driving impaired.
Drink responsibly
- Have something to eat before you start drinking; never drink on an empty stomach. Eating won’t stop you from getting drunk, but the food spreads out the alcohol absorption over a longer period of time.
- Pay attention to how strong your drinks are.
- Don’t be offended if someone suggests you’ve had too much to drink to drive safely. Friends don’t let impaired friends drive.
- If you aren’t sure whether you’re impaired, you probably are.
Don’t be a passive passenger
- Don’t ride with a driver who has had too much to drink. Call a friend or relative.
- Monitor your friend’s drinking. Watch for signs of intoxication. Suggest non-alcoholic drinks and food.
- If your friend suggests that you drive home because you have had less to drink, and you don’t feel safe doing so, say so and find another, safe way home.
Be a Responsible Host
- Don’t push drinks on your guests.
- Put food out during the evening. But remember that salty snacks can make people drink more.
- Don’t drink too much yourself. If you’re intoxicated, you won’t be able to make responsible judgements.
- Stop serving drinks a few hours before the party’s over. Offer food and non-alcoholic drinks and encourage your guests to have some before they go home.
- Have cash on hand for cab fares. Also, be ready to let your guests stay the night.
- When you invite guests, remind them ahead of time that alcohol will be served and they should make a plan to:
- get a sober ride home from a friend or relative,
- take a cab or a bus,
- use a designated driver,
- call a designated driving service, or
- stay overnight.
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