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Editorial
In the 20 years since the first edition of SMASHED, there have been
significant changes in public attitudes and behaviour regarding drinking and
driving. Impaired driving, quite simply, is no longer socially
acceptable, and Canadians are now more likely to avoid getting behind the wheel
of a vehicle after drinking. Tactics such as using a designated driver who
abstains from drinking alcohol, taking a cab, or staying overnight have all
contributed to a dramatic reduction in the number of deaths caused by impaired
drivers.
But despite the progress that has been made, about 1,055 people die in
alcohol-involved traffic accidents in Canada each year. Thousands more are
injured — and many are permanently disabled. Every year, thousands of
Canadians suffer needlessly as a result of impaired driving.
This third edition of SMASHED reflects the tremendous changes surrounding the
issue of drinking and driving that have taken place over the last 20 years. Its
purpose is to increase awareness and understanding of the problem so that we
will all be in a better position to take effective action to prevent impaired
driving.
Among the changes that have occurred since the last edition of SMASHED is a
recognition that some groups in the population present special problems when it
comes to drinking and driving. This publication discusses what puts these
groups at greater risk and what can be done about it.
On July 1, 1999, Bill C-82, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (impaired
driving and related matters), was proclaimed into force. Among the
changes to the Criminal Code of Canada are increases in penalties
for impaired driving.
In addition, over the past several years many provinces and territories have
supplemented the provisions of Canada’s Criminal Code by implementing new laws
and procedures for dealing with impaired drivers. These new elements include
graduated licensing for young and novice drivers and mandatory assessment and
rehabilitation for certain offenders. Penalties include licence suspension and
vehicle impoundment.
Preventing impaired driving is everybody’s business. We’re all on the
road together, and collectively we can realize the vision
of making Canadian roads the safest in the world.
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