What's Next in the Fight Against Impaired Driving?

Ten years ago, the Canadian Council of Motor Vehicle Administrators (CCMTA) established a Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving (STRID) committee. The Canada Safety Council, as a member of that committee, is co-sponsor of a workshop to develop a new national strategy that builds on the progress realized over the past 10 years.

Eliminating Impaired Driving: The Road Ahead will be held October 12 to 14 in Vancouver. It will examine the challenges that must now be addressed, in an effort to develop new solutions and enhance the effectiveness of countermeasures now available. STRID has identified six key concerns:

1. Hard-Core Drinking Drivers
The highest proportion of collisions, injuries and deaths involves less than one per cent of drivers. These chronic offenders pose a major threat to public safety, but are not influenced by the traditional programs and sanctions.

2. Social Drinkers
While the incidence of social drinking has decreased, many Canadians continue to drive after consuming alcohol socially. Those hosting social events must consider the issue of transportation when planning the event.

3. New/Young Drivers
Many young drivers experience peer pressure to consume alcohol. By continuing to establish with this group that drinking and driving is socially unacceptable, public safety can be enhanced as they mature through the generations.

4. First Sanctioned Drivers
Sanctions must aim to prevent a first time offender from becoming a repeat offender. A first conviction is likely not the first time that person has driven while impaired — it is only the first time he or she was caught.

5. Emerging Issues
New problems coming to the fore include: other forms of impairment (e.g. illegal and prescription drugs) and fatigue; and impaired operation of off-road motorized vehicles (e.g. all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and boats).

6. Process
The ability to effectively detect and prosecute impaired drivers requires human, financial, legislative and administrative resources. An overburdened judicial system and reduced enforcement capabilities hinder further progress.

Information on the conference:
Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, telephone (613) 736-1003, fax (613) 736-1395, e-mail secretariat@ccmta.ca