In the News

Random breath tests worth considering
Athabasca Advocate
Editorial
April 6, 2010

On any given day at Athabasca Provincial Court or Boyle Provincial Court, the majority of offenders are impaired drivers.

Despite countless television and radio advertising campaigns by various organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), it seems that many are still not getting the message.

It's one reason why random breath tests (RBTs) are worth considering.

The Canadian Department of Justice posted a paper on its website last month and is asking for Canadians to provide input on whether Canada should legislate RBTs, as 22 European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, have already done.

If legislated, police would be able to ask drivers for a breath sample without any reasonable grounds of suspicion that the driver may be impaired. Right now, this amounts to things like the small of alcohol or a driver veering across lanes of traffic.

However, as the report points out, the observations of the police are always subject to challenge.

One good argument in favour of RBTs, is that they could potentially act as a deterrent for drivers who decide to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks.

Some have expressed concern that RBTs would violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which assures Canadians protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

Most of us rarely bat an eye when asked to remove our shoes or open up our bags for inspection at the airport. Why? Because we believe it's in the interest of public safety, and RBTs would be no different.

And, as Andrew Murie, chief executive officer at Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) pointed out, "If you don't drink and drive, you have nothing to worry about."