Backgrounder: BC’s drinking and driving laws mean fewer deaths

What community leaders are saying

Those whose business it is to deal with drinking drivers are praising the CARBC study:

Andrew Murie, Chief Executive Officer of MADD Canada

“Anecdotally, MADD knew that the new BC laws on drinking and driving were working, but until the Centre for Addictions Research of BC completed this detailed study there was no empirical proof of the laws’ effectiveness. Now that CARBC has shown how well the Immediate Roadside Prohibition can work in Canada, I think there will be a global rethink on the way countries deal with drinking and driving. In fact, once BC figures out its legal challenges surrounding the legislation, I think the IRP will become the golden template. You’ll almost be criticized if you don’t do it.”

Jamie Graham, Chief Const. of Victoria Police

“It’s clear that just telling people they shouldn’t be drinking and driving is not enough. There has to be a strong deterrent to stop people. This new study by the Centre for Addictions Research of BC clearly shows that BC’s new drinking and driving legislation is not only a deterrent, but also a lifesaver. The study confirms that we are on the right track to making BC one of the safest places to drive in Canada.”