Concerning Drinking And Driving Statistics In Canada For 2022 (Part 2 Of 3)
Drinking and driving issues are Canada’s most significant contributors to public health and safety problems. This shows that drunk driving and impaired driving do not pick a place and time and that they are ongoing social problems that need to be addressed by the government and with the help of informed citizens.
With this in mind, here is part 2 of our article on Drinking and Driving Statistics Canada for 2022 That You Should Be Concerned About:
A Low Blood Alcohol Concentration Level Can Still Increase the Risk of Having a Road Crash
According to the World Health Organization, even a low BAC of just 0.03 (less than half the legal limit) can still be a significant precipitating factor in a road crash. The same finding is factual for intoxication with any substance with psychoactive properties. The risks can exponentially rise with higher concentrations of substances. For instance, a BAC of 0.09 increases accident risk by 5X.
A BAC of Higher Than 0.08 While Driving Is a Criminal Offence in Canada
With the sharp increase in the possibility of road crashes for people with a BAC higher than the legal limit, it is no wonder that driving with a BAC of more than 0.08 is punished as a criminal offence. Lower BACs while driving come with fines, too, as well as license suspension.
Driving with a BAC of 0.08 Comes with a Minimum Fine of $1000
This $1000 fine is to deter people from driving when they know they have drunk alcohol. The higher the level of alcohol in the blood, the higher the fine.
- Those registering a BAC of 0.12-0.159 are fined a minimum of $1,500.
- Those with a BAC of more than 0.16 are fined a minimum of $2,000.
- People who do not give a breath sample are automatically fined $2,000.
- More penalties and punishments are given for repeat offenders or circumstances that are perceived as severe offences.
Causing Bodily Harm While Driving Can Get up to 14 Years Prison Term in Canada
Aside from penalties in the form of fines and license suspension, those who cause bodily harm while drunk driving in Canada faces imprisonment of up to 14 years. This is to deter repeat offenders and an attempt to make Canadian roads safer overall.
A BAC of 0.05 Plus Having 2.5 Nanograms of THC per 1 Milliliter of Blood Is Illegal in Canada
To further prevent accidents related to alcohol, Canada has a separate set of consequences for those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Suppose someone has been found to have alcohol in the blood and other psychoactive substances such as ketamine, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and psilocybin. In that case, they can face a criminal charge.
55% of Road Crash Deaths in Canada Are Related to Drugs and Alcohol
About 13% of all road crash deaths in recent statistics are related to alcohol alone, while drugs account for 25%, making it more dangerous. A combination of alcohol and drugs is a causative factor in 15% of road fatalities, resulting in 55% of road deaths being related to alcohol and drugs.
This is part 2 of the series on the Drinking and Driving Statistics in Canada for 2022 That You Should Be Concerned About. If you find yourself needing legal help due to alcohol or drug-related DUI charge, then contact us so we can get you in touch with Toronto DUI Lawyer Calvin Barry.
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