September new date for blow-and-go
By Amy Smith
Halifax Chronicle Herald
June 10, 2008

Nova Scotia hopes to start issuing blow-and-go devices to convicted drunk drivers in September. The province had initially anticipated providing the breath-alcohol ignition interlocks in March.

The devices only allow a vehicle to start if the person who blows into it has no alcohol on his or her breath.

But Donna Chislett, a spokeswoman for Service Nova Scotia, said several details, including the computer system for the program, had to be put in place first. "It’s a pretty comprehensive program to get up and operating."

First-time offenders would be able to apply to the program and buy the $1,500 device in order to get their licences reinstated within three months, instead of a year. Repeat offenders would have to participate in order to get their licences back.

Ms. Chislett said anyone who wants to take part must have a letter from a counsellor to prove he or she is participating in an addictions program. Those who participate must have the support of a counsellor. They must also check in with the counsellor regularly.

Susan MacAskill, a manager with the Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in Atlantic Canada, said her group wants to see the interlock devices made mandatory for anyone with two or more drunk driving convictions or for first-time offenders whose blood-alcohol level was higher than 0.15.

"Our organization wants to see the government take the appropriate steps to minimize risk on our highways," Ms. MacAskill said.

She said MADD has been talking about this issue with elected officials since 1998. As of Jan.1, 2007, the Motor Vehicle Act allowed the ignition interlock program to be used for convicted drunk drivers and last month cabinet approved new regulations.

She said the introduction of ignition interlocks will help improve the province’s rating from MADD. In 2006, Nova Scotia was ranked in 11th place and the next comprehensive report comes out in 2009.

"We certainly are finally pleased to see the current government is going to make this program come into effect in September," Ms. MacAskill said. "On average, four people die every day in Canada (because of drunk driving and) approximately 187 are injured, so this still remains the No. 1 criminal cause of death in our country."