Impaired driving on the decline in Ontario

News Release
MTO

The 17th annual arrive alive DRIVE SOBER(R) campaign launches today, aimed at eliminating impaired driving in Ontario.
Increased incidents of impaired driving fatalities and injuries through the summer months have driven this program every year since the beginning. Ontario Community Council on Impaired Driving (OCCID) is pleased to note that data going back 16 years reflects a downward trend in this statistic.
“Seventeen years of campaigning is helping to reduce fatalities during this historically high-risk time of year,” says Shelley Timms, OCCID President. “However, our mission is the elimination of impaired driving”.
“Ontario has the lowest impaired driving offence rate in Canada,” Minister of Transportation Harinder Takhar said at today’s launch. “In 2003, we were 36 per cent lower than the national average. We already have some of the toughest anti-drinking and driving laws in the country. But we can always do better. Our ministry is proud to work with OCCID and other road safety partners to keep Ontario’s roads safe.”
The 2006 arrive alive DRIVE SOBER(R) campaign is supported by key sponsors allowing OCCID to plan summer long activities including: province-wide distribution of educational materials; postering on public transit; a Sober Suds Car Wash; awareness days at three+ major sporting events in Ontario; and new “Choose Your Ride” Public Service Announcements (PSAs).
“The Beer Store is proud to continue our tradition of supporting the arrive alive DRIVE SOBER(R) program again this year, says Ted Clarke, president, The Beer Store. “Through continued education on the importance of social responsibility we can all make a difference on our roadways.”
Most drivers charged with impaired driving, “over 80”, or refuse in May of 2006 will not have a regular Ontario driver licence again until September of 2008. In addition, one impaired driving conviction will cost a first-time offender a minimum of $20,000 in fines, fees and increased insurance premiums.