Drinking and driving issues are some of the biggest contributors to issues in public health and safety in Canada even when lockdowns and quarantines are in place. This just goes to show 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 not just by the government but also with the help of informed citizens. With this in mind, below is part 2 of our article on Drinking and Driving Statistics Canada for 2021 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 big precipitating factor in being involved in a road crash. The same finding is true for intoxication with any substance with psychoactive properties. It was also found out that 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 who have a BAC that is 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 fine is meant to deter people from driving when they know that they have taken some alcohol. The higher the level of alcohol in the blood, the higher the fine as well, with those registering a BAC of 0.12-0.159 fined a minimum of $1500 and those with BAC of more than 0.16 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 for 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 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 who are driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. If someone has been found to have alcohol in the blood together with any amount of other psychoactive substances such as ketamine, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and psilocybin, then 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% which makes it more dangerous. A combination of alcohol and drugs is a causative factor in 15% of road fatalities bringing in a total of 55% of road deaths being related to alcohol and drugs.
As can be seen from the above drinking and driving statistics in Canada, the consequences of driving under the influences can be far-reaching for the drivers as well as potential victims. If you find yourself dealing with a Drinking and Driving charge in Canada, do not hesitate to contact Toronto DUI lawyer, Calvin Barry.