Re: Jim Sutherland comment, Nov. 23
Having read both this article and another previous article, I decided to weigh in here on this proposed legislation introduced by the Alberta government. I am not favourable towards drunk drivers, however this recently proposed legislation goes a step too far.
I do not accept that police should be given the right to penalize people without a check and a balance. The Criminal Code, .08 legislation, allows for the justice system to ensure citizens have a right to be treated fairly if charged with impaired driving. This proposed legislation eliminates that right.
Yea, the proponents of the new legislation will be quick to point towards some policy that will appear to give your rights back, but realistically, that will be well after the fact. After you may have lost your job, paid storage and towing fees, commuted by taxi for a few days, what will your drivers extract say when you apply for a job?
As well, I have not heard anything about the impact on insurance rates. Insurance companies may ask if you received a suspension and if you don’t fess up, look out.
British Columbia, where they have new laws that this legislation is based on, has a significant fine component. Some have speculated that this curbside judge and jury system cost those citizens thousands of dollars when you factor in insurance, fines, towing, automobile storage, taxis, etc.
I understand that the similar legislation in British Columbia has significantly impacted business owners. Also, that the number of Criminal Code offences for above .08 impaired driving has significantly decreased.
That makes sense from a human perspective, but why would you want to appear in count defending your procedures after arresting someone when you can dispense curbside justice without any oversight?
Has anyone seen any statistical information that provides insight on death and destruction committed by 0.5 drivers? I understand that new drivers will be given a 30-day suspension. Why? If a 16 year old demonstrates poor judgment and immaturity, why not tell them to reapply in a year when the can be given another opportunity to demonstrate maturity.
What does this new law say about those chronic drunk drivers who continue to ignore all existing legislation? I suspect not much, if anything.
L.F. Asselstine
Sylvan Lake