The Ontario government will legislate to crack down on unconscious driving, increasing penalties that could not only result in the lifetime suspension of your driver's license, but also require a test every time you drive.
To combat unconscious driving, new legislation from the Ford government in Ontario will impose tougher penalties on drunk or drug drivers.
Some of these measures include lifetime suspension of driver's licenses for those who die as a result of unconscious driving, and the requirement for anyone convicted of unconscious driving to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle.
The ignition interlock is an in-vehicle alcohol breath screening device that prevents the vehicle's engine from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver's body.
According to the official website of the provincial government, the device works by installing an ignition interlock device in the vehicle, and before the vehicle starts, the driver needs to blow to the device near the driver's seat.
If the device detects that the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the preset limit of 0.02, the vehicle will not start. If you fall below the preset limit, the vehicle will start and you will be asked to provide a random breath sample while the vehicle is moving.
If you do not provide a sample or your BAC exceeds the limit, the device will:
1. Issue a warning
2. Record the event
3. Activate specific alarm systems (e.g. lights flashing, horn blaring) until you turn off the ignition
For those who commit first- and second-time DUI and drug-driving-related offenses, the penalty days for immediate license suspension will also increase, from the current 3 and 7 days to 7 and 14 days, and they must undergo mandatory remedial education and treatment.
The legislation also clarifies the right of police to stop vehicles inside and outside highways and to test drivers for sobriety.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Provincial Police OPP announced earlier this month that they will conduct mandatory alcohol screening (MAS) "at every transit stop."
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said, "Everyone deserves to be safely back with their loved ones at the end of the day. "Too many families in Ontario have been torn apart by the careless and shameful behavior of drunk drivers."
In Ontario, one-third of road fatalities are related to unconscious driving. Earlier this month, Provincial Police OPP said DUI crashes and prosecutions were up nearly 30% from the previous five-year average.
The province will also work to provide more tools and training to help police detect drug driving. A province-wide awareness campaign will also be conducted to highlight the dangers of drug driving.
It is reported that between 2012 and 2020, the proportion of drivers who died due to marijuana use more than doubled.