Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jun 2008
Source: Leduc Representative (CN AB)
Copyright: 2008 Leduc Representative
Contact:  http://www.leducrepresentative.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2265
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

INTOXICATION NOT TOLERATED

This July, Alberta's highways will be safer because drivers who have 
driven while under the influence will be forced to buckle down.

As of July 1, Alberta drivers who are convicted of having twice the 
legal limit or higher of alcohol will have to attach alcohol sensors 
to their vehicles.

The sensors prevent a car from starting until the driver blows into 
it. If a certain amount of alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not 
start. After a six-month period, a review is conducted to determine 
whether or not the device should be removed.

The convicted driver will have to pay to have the device installed as 
well as pay for the monthly monitoring fee.

While the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle is a blood 
alcohol content of .08, the device is only enforced when the limit is 
double that.

But what about the individual with a level at .09 or .10? Should he 
or she not face the same consequences?

Is drinking under the influence not the same, no matter what your 
blood alcohol content is?

This should be applied to all drivers who choose to get behind the 
wheel intoxicated -- not just for their safety, but also for that of 
others. With stupid decisions can come a disastrous and life changing 
outcome -- one far worse than getting a device attached to your ignition.

The other change coming to increase the safety of those on the road 
the same time as intoxicated persons are comes in the form of a 
change in the Criminal Code of Canada, starting July 2.

The Criminal Code has been amended and drivers under the influence of 
illegal drugs can be asked more than a few questions.

DRE's -- Drug Recognition Experts -- will be hitting the streets, and 
have the power to spot motorists driving under the influence of drugs.

Police who suspect a driver is under the influence can demand a 
sample of their bodily fluids, such as a urine sample.

Twenty-two Alberta cops have now completed the training.

Although small in number, as years go on, the number of experts will grow.

These experts, under the Criminal Code, can get a urine, blood or 
saliva sample from an intoxicated motorist to determine whether they 
are in fact driving under the influence.

DRE's began in California in the 1970s and the program was introduced 
in British Columbia in 1995.

Keeping the roads safe from intoxicated drivers, whether due to 
alcohol or drugs, is another step in the right direction for 
motorists. With the recent accidents in Edmonton involving alcohol 
contributing to the loss of another life, it is paramount the 
programs are not only enforced, but monitored for accuracy and efficiency.

Lives depend on it.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom