Manitoba is making changes to the Highway Traffic Act that will provide more serious sanctions to drivers who drink before getting behind the wheel.
Under the proposed amendments drivers with a blood alcohol level that registers a ‘warn’ on the screening device, meaning their blood alcohol level is above .05 and below .08, would face a penalty of $200 for the first offence up to $400 for a third offence. They would also have their vehicle impounded for 3 days for the first offence and 30 days for a third or subsequent offence. If you are caught for the third time you will be required to have an ignition lock placed in your vehicle for one year. You would also face existing licence suspensions and other sanctions for drivers who trigger a ‘warn’.
Police will also be able to impose sanctions at roadside for drivers who trigger a ‘fail’ on the screening device (above.08) who have not caused injury or death. Officers at their discretion will be able to impose a minimum fine of $500 and a mandatory ignition lock for one year rather than proceeding with criminal charges. Drivers in that circumstance would still be subject to a 90-day licence suspension, 30-day vehicle impoundment and the mandatory Addictions Foundation of Manitoba assessment or remedial program that is required for all first-time drunk drivers who are over .08.
[jaw_quote author=”Cliff Cullen – Manitoba Justice Minister” ]If you drink and drive, you will lose your licence, you will lose your vehicle and you will lose a lot of money[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]
The total cost to a driver (including administrative penalties) who triggers a ‘warn’ for a first offence would be $2,600 and around $3,200 for a third offence. If a driver triggers a ‘fail’ on the screening device they will face a minimum $3,300.
The changes to the Highway Traffic Act are similar to changes made in British Columbia in 2010. In that province, alcohol-related fatalities have dropped by almost 50% and injuries have decreased by 25 %.
In 2017 23 people were killed and 27 were seriously injured in traffic collisions in the province due to alcohol. So far in 201, 28 people have lost their lives in the province due to a drunk driver.
© 2018 News 4
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