The Government of Prince Edward Island remains committed to making our highways safer by combating impaired and distracted driving, says Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar.
“Impaired driving is unacceptable in Prince Edward Island and we will work with law enforcement and community groups to change the laws, increase public awareness of the penalties, and make Island roads safer,” said Minister Biggar. “These efforts include a continued partnership with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Canada, the anti-drinking and driving movement in Canada.”
Representatives from MADD Canada visited Prince Edward Island last week to continue the discussion about preventing impaired driving on Island roads.
The Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy has strengthened legislation and increased public awareness campaigns to help keep impaired drivers off Island roads.
A summit held in 2013 was hosted by the department to meet with Island law enforcement, MADD Canada, and justice officials, among others, to find ways to combat impaired driving.
Since that summit, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has made some significant changes, including:
● Mandatory ignition interlock for first-time offenders and increasing the time repeat offenders must use the device;
● Impounding the vehicles of impaired drivers for longer;
● New suspensions for drivers impaired by drugs;
● A special license and license plate to assist law enforcement in identifying repeat offers; and
● Increased public awareness campaigns, including encouraging Islanders to call 9-1-1 to report impaired drivers.
“PEI has led the way in Canada to develop innovative programs and sanctions targeting repeat drinking and driving offenders,” said Andy Murie, Chief Executive Officer, MADD Canada. “MADD Canada looks forward to the continued collaboration with the Government of Prince Edward Island to reduce the number of impaired driving deaths and injuries on Island roads,”
Visit http://www.gov.pe.ca/highwaysafety/ to learn more about Prince Edward Island’s efforts to eliminate impaired, distracted and dangerous driving.