New penalties were introduced for motorists found with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) between 0.05 and 0.08 on September 1, just in time for the busy Labour Day weekend.
Motorists found with 0.05 to 0.08 BAC will be issued an automatic three day licence suspension and a three day vehicle seizure. Multiple offences lead to longer suspensions and seizures with violators required to take courses on how alcohol affects driving ability.
“We want to encourage drivers to plan ahead and make the right decisions for themselves, for their passengers and for other people on the road,” said Alberta Transportation Minister Ric McIver. “Since we passed this legislation last year, so many Albertans have already had these important conversations with their families and friends. We can all do something about preventable traffic collisions.”
The Drumheller RCMP have received new road side testing devices and have been trained in their operation in preparation for the new penalties.
“With change, there is going to be a learning curve associated with it,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s legislation to make the roads safer.”
The previous penalty for having a 0.05 to 0.08 BAC was a 24 hour licence suspension.
The legislation outlining the new penalties was passed last fall. The first phase of the legislation, which introduced tougher administrative penalties for drivers with over 0.08 BAC was implemented on July 1 of this year.
Between July 1 and August 23, 994 licence suspensions and 632 vehicle seizures were handed out to drivers with over 0.08 BAC. An addition, 114 licence suspension and 73 vehicle seizures were issued to drivers with a graduated licence who had consumed alcohol.
Anyone pulled over and who wish to contest the findings of the road side screening device, can appeal and be given a second breath test from another breath-testing device. Licence suspensions and vehicle seizures longer than three days may be appealed through the Alberta Transportation Safety Board.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, if you plan on drinking, be safe. Designate someone to drive or call a taxi, but do not drive. The life you save could be your own.