In the News

Tougher driving measures lauded
The Toronto Sun
July 26, 2010

TORONTO - Barring drivers under 22 from having any alcohol in their blood will reduce deaths and injuries, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers says.

“There are no games being played here,” said MADD Canada’s CEO Andrew Murie,

“It’s data driven, it’s the right policy.”

Murie argued that while some young people may complain — he suggested a few in his own house might even be upset — the new rules will result in a dramatic drop in fatalities.

“It will save more lives than we could do with any other piece of legislation at a provincial level,” he added.

Murie and Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne pointed to statistics blaming impaired driving for the deaths of 235 people under 21 over the past 10 years.

Murie added that while drivers, ranging in age from 16 to 24, make up only 13% of the population, they account for 33% of impaired drivers.

“The Insurance Bureau of Canada applauds the government of Ontario for implementing these initiatives which will protect young drivers and reduce drinking and driving,” said Ralph Palumbo, Ontario vice-president of the IBC.

“Ontario’s auto insurers are supportive of any initiative that improves the safety of our roads and saves lives.”