http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/451004
Hey guys!
I just found an article talking about how our justice minister says those that are suspected of driving under the influence can no longer deny roadside sobriety tests. He is also making the punishments harsher by increasing fines and prolonging jail time. The new laws will start on July 2nd, 2008. A minimum of $1000 fine will take place for first time offenders and possibly with a month of jail time if they reoffend. One of the loopholes in our constitution will finally be closed.
In my opinion, this is totally awesome! I mean, law are in place to protect society right? The previous laws were not stiff enough and hopefully these ones will serve the purpose. This will hopefully make drivers more cautious when making the choice to drive or not when they are under the influence. In the past, too many impaired drivers have been able to get off the hook of driving under the influence due to technicalities and the system being too lenient. Hopefully, less DUI drivers will be on the road and therefore fewer accidents caused by them will occur. However, we really need a strong enforcement system of these laws to get the point across.
What I like to know from you guys are your opinions on this. Do you think the new laws are strict enough? Do you think this will deter drivers from driving when they’re intoxicated? Do you think these laws will be enforced to the fullest?
-V.L
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2 comments:
I think that it is great that our justice minister is making punishments for drunk driving harsher, but as you stated, how strong will enforcement be?
To answer your first question Victoria, I believe that the laws could be a lot harsher. I mean, $1000 is a lot of money, but when compared to someone’s life that is lost because of a drunk driver, $1000 is nothing. If I was a friend or relative of victim who lost their life because of some idiot driving under the influence, a fine of $1000 would not do justice. I would rather see their butts in jail for at least 10 years! Money and lives are not comparable and people should suffer consequences that are a lot more stringent then a fine. You stated that those who re-offend will suffer the consequence of being put in jail for up to a month. Firstly, this just shows that the justice minister does not have high hopes for his $1000 fine. If people are willing to re-offend, then maybe the initial consequence for DUI’s should be stricter. Secondly, what is one month in jail going to accomplish? That is definitely not a lot of time behind bars.
To answer your second question, regarding whether or not this law will deter intoxicated drivers, my answer is no. When people are intoxicated, they do not think rationally, so I highly doubt that they will be concerned about a fine that may come their way if they happen to get caught drinking and driving. Come on guys, when you are drunk (and I know we have all been at that stage at least once), do you think logically and realistically? The most straight forward answer is no. These intoxicated individuals who drink and drive will suffer the consequences when sober up, but it will not stop them from drinking and driving when they are drunk. The point is that when individuals are drunk, more likely then not, they do not consider the consequences.
With regards to your last question, “Do you think these laws will be enforced to the fullest,” I really do not know. I think that more money needs to be spent on hiring more police so that this law can be enforced to its fullest potential. Police need to be at clubs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, doing breathalyzer tests on drivers. I realize that this could cause a lot of traffic, and angry drivers, but in the end, it’s worth it.
SS
Remember, the $1,000 fine and month of jail time is punishment for a DUI conviction, and does not replace the much harsher penalties where an actual accident has taken place.
I agree that it will not be deter those who are already intoxicated. But for those planning ahead before they go out, it will be effective. If I know I'll be having a few drinks somewhere, I'll be sure to make alternate travel arrangements. Especially if I were a prior offender - a month in jail and I'd lose my job.
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