Impaired driving: Penalties and Consequences

TORONTO , Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Drivers are reminded that even one first-time impaired driving conviction will result in:

    
    -  more than $20,000 in fines, fees, education, increased insurance
       premiums, legal costs, etc.
    -  the loss of a regular valid driver licence for two+ years in Ontario
    -  Ignition interlock restriction as part of the reinstatement process
    -  A criminal record

    Impaired driving causing death or bodily harm
    ---------------------------------------------
    The maximum sentence for one conviction of impaired driving causing death
    is life in prison; the maximum sentence for impaired driving causing
    bodily harm is ten years.

    On Land, Trails or Water
    ------------------------
    Impaired boaters/snowmobilers/ATVers lose their driver's licence and face
    all the same consequences for impaired driving

    Impaired driving: warn range
    ----------------------------
    Drivers are reminded that since May 1st consequences for drivers found in
    the warn range (from .05 to .08) are now recorded on a driver's record
    and the accompanying licence suspension ranges from 3 to 30 days; there
    may be other reinstatement conditions such as an alcohol treatment
    program and ignition interlock.

    PLAN AHEAD, CALL HOME, TAKE A CAB, STAY OVERNIGHT, DESIGNATE A DRIVER,
                             USE PUBLIC TRANSIT.
    

For further information: Anne Leonard, arrive alive DRIVE SOBER (R), 1387 Bayview Avenue, Suite 106, Toronto, ON, M4G 3A5, tel: [phone], fax: [phone]