Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America and we are working hard to ensure they stay that way.
Our Graduated Licensing System (GLS) is working. Since its introduction in 1994, the fatality rate among drivers 16 to 19 years of age dropped by 48 per cent.
Our government has also tackled some of the most dangerous distracted driving behaviour – making it illegal to hold a cell phone or text while driving – to make our roads safer for everyone.
We think the loss of one life on our roads, whether caused by dangerous, reckless or drunk driving, is one too many, and the statistics for young drivers are of particular concern.
Drivers aged 19 to 21 are one-and-a-half times as likely to be involved in drinking and driving fatal injury crashes as other drivers.
In the 10 years up to 2006, we have lost 235 drivers who were 21 or under in drinking and driving collisions.
These facts – and the young people behind them –moved us to take further action.
Starting Aug. 1 all drivers 21 and under, regardless of their class of licence, must maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration level when driving.
Furthermore, novice drivers who violate their graduated license conditions, or are convicted of any Highway Traffic Act offence with four or more demerit points, will face tougher penalties ranging from a 30-day licence suspension to the cancellation of their licence.
And Starting Aug. 3, we are making changes that will help stop first-time impaired drivers from becoming repeat impaired drivers. Eligible drivers convicted of an impaired driving offence for the first time will have the chance to reduce their suspension – but only if they install an ignition interlock device in their car.
This will make our roads safer and help impaired drivers change their behaviour – drivers will not be able to start their cars if they have been drinking.
We all have a responsibility to make our roads safer. Together with our police services and our road safety partners in communities across the province, the McGuinty government is working to keep all drivers safe.