What's Being Done? What's Not?
Current Measures in BC
There are a number of measures currently underway to combat impaired driving in BC.
In general, the programs fall into five categories:
- Public education and awareness programs — This includes BC’s CounterAttack Programof advertising as well as the Broadcasters of BC public service announcements. It also includes ICBC’s resource package for teachers. In addition, MADD plays a role in education, awareness, advocacy and victim support.
- Programs designed to reduce the likelihood that someone will drink and drive — This includes designated driver programs as well as ICBC’s Get Home Safe Program for those organizing events where liquor will be served and Operation Red Nose, a volunteer driving program organized at the community level in December. It also includes the hospitality industry’s Serving It Right.
- Enforcement — The main focus is police enforcement of impaired driving laws throughout the year and during CounterAttack campaign periods.
- Punishment for offenders — For more information, refer to What the Law Says.
- Rehabilitation programs — Multiple offenders must pass an addiction assessment before their driver’s license is returned following a driving prohibition.
Gaps in BC’s Countermeasures
A number of possible countermeasures are not being utilized in BC. There are some gaps that stand out:
- Rehabilitation — BC is the only province in Canada that does not have a compulsory rehabilitation program for convicted impaired drivers.
- Ignition Interlock Program — In this type of program, a device is installed on a convicted drinking driver’s vehicle requiring the driver to provide a satisfactory breath sample before the vehicle will start. Vehicles will not start if the breath sample shows evidence of alcohol. A number of Canadian provinces have programs of this type.
- Designated Driver Programs — While various programs of this type exist, at present, there is no well-defined, funded, large-scale program in place in BC.