|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
Impaired and Aggressive Drivers Face Stiff Penalties
QUEEN'S PARK, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - On this last long weekend of summer,
Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield today warned that reckless and
impaired motorists now face some of the highest penalties in Canada.
"Our government has introduced some of the toughest penalties for extreme
speeders and impaired drivers," said Cansfield. "Our message is that anyone
who chooses to break the law will face some of the highest fines in this
country."
The McGuinty government introduced tough measures for impaired driving
and street racing with its Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act. This
legislation includes:
<<
- Stronger sanctions for drinking drivers who have a 0.05 to 0.08 blood
alcohol concentration ("the warn range"). Once fully implemented,
penalties will be increased to a minimum three-day suspension for a
first offence, up to a 30-day suspension, remedial measures, and an
ignition interlock for a third or subsequent offence.
- Increased fines for convicted street racers - up to $10,000, the
highest street racing fine in Canada.
- Immediate roadside suspension of drivers' licences and impounding of
vehicles for seven days when street racing, driving contests or stunt
driving are suspected, effective September 30.
- Banning driving on a highway with a connected nitrous oxide system.
Those convicted face fines of up to $2,000 and up to six months in
jail.
>>
Since 1999, there have been an estimated 39 deaths in Ontario where
street-racing may have been a contributing factor. Too often, innocent people
are the victims of such senseless acts. Driving at unsafe speeds increases the
force of impact in a crash - the risk of serious injury or death is three
times greater.
A new regulation to crack down on excessive speeders will come into
effect on September 30, 2007. Under this regulation, driving 50 km/h or more
over the posted speed limit will be considered stunt driving and will result
in the same administrative sanctions and penalties upon conviction as street
racing.
"This weekend we're targeting street racers, aggressive drivers and those
who continue to drive while drug or alcohol impaired, and those who don't
buckle up. We will be out in full force on the highways and waterways of the
province all weekend. The new regulations the government put in place
targeting street racers will ultimately save lives," said OPP Commissioner
Julian Fantino.
"Speeding and racing on Ontario's roads is unacceptable behaviour. We
want everyone to enjoy this holiday weekend with family and friends. Drive
responsibly and keep Ontario's roads safe," concluded Cansfield.
For up-to-date information on highway construction and road conditions,
call the government's road information line at 416-235-4686, or toll-free at
1-800-268-4686.
<<
Disponible en français
www.mto.gov.on.ca
>>
-30-
For further information: Media Contacts: Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158; Public Inquiries: (416) 235-4686 (GTA), 1-800-268-4686 toll free, 1-866-471-8929 TTY
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
