It is never wise to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and impaired driving penalties in Canada are designed to drive home that point. The fines, jail time, and other consequences were all established to create a strong deterrent to this driving habit, and to punish those who choose to engage in such activity so that others will avoid such actions in the future. Anyone who is planning on driving in the country would do well to educate himself about the nature of these laws and their legal consequences.

The problem

Most people understand that it is wrong to operate a vehicle while in a state of total inebriation. The blurred vision, loss of motor control in the body, and general lack of decision-making cause these drivers to become a very real threat to themselves and everyone else on the road. The same thing can be said for those who are so high on drugs that they can barely function. Once behind the wheel of a car or truck, these people can turn those vehicles into uncontrolled missiles of death and destruction.

What many people fail to realize is that even a single drink can cause a person to become unsuitable for driving. Concentration can be lowered, reaction times are slowed, and spatial awareness is severely impacted. The problem is that most people who drink do not realize the extent of their impairment at these moderate levels of drunkenness. Many do not even realize that the alcohol is having an effect until they are completely inebriated.

And while some people might believe that only illegal drugs can achieve the same level of impairment, the facts prove otherwise. Many prescription drugs can create this same effect, and reduce the driver\’s ability to properly control the vehicle and react to other drivers on the road. Even some over the counter medications can cause drivers to become drowsy and disoriented.

The consequences

There are a number of different punishments that may be triggered by drivers who engage in this activity. For those who refuse to take a blood test when pulled over, or whose blood alcohol concentration is higher than point-zero-eight, the driver\’s license will be immediately suspended.

In addition, the driver will face fines, mandatory alcohol education, treatment, and the installation of an ignition interlock system. Vehicles can be impounded for as long as a week, with no opportunity to appeal the officer\’s decision to do so.

For drivers who are not yet twenty-one, and novice drivers, even more stringent blood alcohol requirements are enforced. Novices are expected to have no alcohol in their blood at any time, and can even have their licenses cancelled altogether if they are found in violation of these rules.

Avoiding these situations

Obviously, it does not pay to drink and drive. When drivers are drinking, they should always find someone sober to drive them to any destination. Since these convictions remain on a driver\’s record for a full decade, they are not something to be taken lightly. Fortunately, people who drink responsibly and make the proper arrangements can ensure that the impaired driving penalties in Canada will never directly affect them.

Author Bio: Impaired driving in Ottawa can leave serious consequences on your legal records. Find the right criminal lawyer Toronto to protect yourself from these traffic tickets in Ottawa. X-Copper Legal Services Professional Corporation 939 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto, ON M4G 4E8 (416) 696-6677

Category: Legal
Keywords: automotive, legal, law, cars, driving, lawyer, criminal, professional, services, industry, vehicles