VICTORIA – BC is bringing in new regulations to clarify and toughen the consequences of drinking and drug affected driving in British Columbia.
Under the new program, drivers with certain serious prohibitions for drinking and drug affected driving are now required to participate in mandatory remedial programs designed to prevent this high risk and irresponsible behaviour from reoccurring.
Driving while affected by drugs or alcohol is a significant public health and safety concern of this government. In 2014, drinking and driving contributed to the death of 61 people on our roads – that’s 61 completely preventable deaths due to poor choices.
Once a mandatory referral is made, drivers will be required to participate in the Responsible Driver Program (RDP), which focuses on education and counselling, and/or the Ignition Interlock Program (IIP), for which a device is installed in the vehicle to prevent drivers from driving if they have consumed alcohol.
“These measures will help both deter and prevent unsafe drivers from getting back on our roads. There will no longer be financial or hardship considerations to exempt high-risk drivers from these remedial programs,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Morris.
“Let me be clear. If you are caught drinking and driving and therefore putting your life and the lives of others at risk, it will cost you. Driving while affected by alcohol or drugs is reckless and selfish behaviour for which this province has no tolerance.”
