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Stay Safe This Long Weekend

 
 

July 30, 2010 5:00 AM

McGuinty Government Reminds All Ontarians Not to Drink and Drive

Ontarians are reminded to help keep our roads safe by not drinking and driving on this Civic Holiday weekend - one of the busiest times on our roads.

New rules that take effect August 1st mean that all drivers 21 years of age and under must have a zero blood alcohol level while driving or face:

  • An immediate 24-hour licence suspension at roadside
  • A further 30-day licence suspension on conviction
  • Up to $500 in fines

Novice drivers in the Graduated Licensing System are already required to maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration level when driving.

All drivers who are caught with a blood alcohol concentration level in the warn range (0.05 to 0.08 BAC) face a minimum three-day roadside licence suspension.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • Drivers aged 19 to 21 are almost one-and-a-half times as likely to be involved in drinking and driving fatal injury crashes.
  • In Ontario, 235 drivers age 21 and under were killed in drinking and driving collisions in the latest 10-year period for which statistics are available.
  • The average number of drinking drivers involved in fatal crashes during the summer months is about 70 per cent higher than during the remainder of the year.

CONTACTS

  • Bob Nichols
    Communications Branch
    416-327-1158
    Bob.Nichols@nullontario.ca
  • Derek Luk
    Minister's Office
    416-327-1815
    derek.luk@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Transportation
ontario.ca/transportation


 

"Many Ontarians will be out on the roads this long weekend, visiting family and friends. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Our message is clear - drinking drivers have no place on our roads."

 – Kathleen Wynne
Minister of Transportation