Sober thoughts on drunk driving
By Roy Clancy
Sun Media
June 24, 2008

We can thank technology for scoring another blow against the drunk driving
responsible for so much carnage on our roads.

Beginning July 1, drivers convicted of having twice the legal alcohol limit or more will be required to attach alcohol sensors to their vehicle ignition before they are
allowed to drive again.

“This is recognition of the seriousness of the act and the potential tragedy that can be caused, and I think it’s a good step forward,” says MADD Calgary president Wayne Kauffeldt, whose 17-year-old daughter, Amy, was killed by a drunk driver in 1999.

Not only that, Kauffeldt wants similar technology installed in all vehicles to
ensure drunks aren’t able to operate them and pose a threat to others.

Under the new Alberta scheme, drivers convicted of a second impaired offence, or of blowing .16 or over, will be forced to shell out some serious cash to have the devices installed in their cars.

Not only will they have to pay a $150 installation fee and a $50 removal fee, they’ll be charged $105 a month for rental and hundreds more in assorted registry and safety course fees.

Once the ignition interlock gadget is installed, the driver has to provide a breath sample not only before starting the engine, but while driving.

If the sample exceeds a certain limit, the engine won’t start, or if underway, the driver will be required to pull the vehicle over.

If a sample isn’t provided within a certain time, the vehicle’s horn is activated and will sound until professionally disabled.

Transportation Minister Luke Ouellette said the measure is designed to “ensure people who show a blatant disregard for the law finally get the message.”

If they don’t, they’d better get used to taking the bus.

Once every 60 days, information recorded on the device is sent to the Alberta Transportation Safety Board. Monitoring lasts at least six months and can go on longer based on the participant’s performance.

Kauffeldt said the number of drivers found guilty of impaired driving over .16 is “a
significant bunch,” so the new rules could make an impact on reducing alcohol-related mayhem on our roads.

He’d also like to see new technology that detects impairment through the skin, or by reading eye movements installed in all vehicles.

Changing the behaviour of those addicted to alcohol and drugs isn’t easy, Kauffeldt said. That’s illustrated by the number of repeat offenders who routinely kill and maim innocent victims.

“If you can’t change their behaviour, then I guess, change the automobile so they won’t drive as much.”

If the devices are passive -- set up to automatically detect operator impairment -- drivers who are sober will never even notice them, he says.

“These have the potential to detect not only drug and alcohol impairment, but things like fatigue or distraction that have been raised as issues for unsafe travel.”

Kauffeldt compares the new technology to seatbelts, which manufacturers were once
reluctant to install and motorists complained loudly about being legally required to
buckle up.

He said another blow against impaired driving will be struck when federal Bill C-2 takes effect July 2.

It will close a loophole that has resulted in many impaired driving cases being thrown out of court and that some say has even discouraged police from laying charges to begin with.

But, Kauffeldt said the true key to defeating the scourge that kills more than 1,000 Canadians a year and injures hundreds every day lies in separating the acts of
drinking and driving completely.

“I would like to see zero tolerance because I think impairment starts with that first drink,” he said “I’m not saying don’t take that first drink. Just don’t get behind the wheel if you do.”