P.E.I. considering automatic roadside penalties for impaired driving

P.E.I.’s attorney general, Bloyce Thompson, has revealed that the province is considering implementing automatic roadside penalties for individuals caught driving impaired by alcohol or drugs. Currently, impaired drivers are charged under the Criminal Code of Canada and go through the court system, which can be a lengthy process involving lawyers, court elections, plea entries, and trials.

In a recent session of the legislature, PC MLA Robin Croucher called for more immediate and harsher penalties to be imposed through administrative actions instead of criminal charges. Thompson acknowledged the severity of the issue, referring to impaired driving as a “cultural epidemic” that continues to have devastating consequences for families, friends, and communities.

Thompson shared that Mothers Against Drug Driving (MADD) had approached the province with the idea of automatic roadside penalties, prompting the government to consider this policy proposal in the upcoming year. The attorney general emphasized the importance of exploring new approaches to combat impaired driving and acknowledged the need for change.

Data analysis conducted by the P.E.I. RCMP revealed that impairment, whether from drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, was confirmed or suspected in 34% of fatal crashes over a five-year period. While there has been a decrease in impaired-related fatal collisions since 2020, enforcement efforts have been intensified with the addition of two new officers to the traffic unit.

Thompson highlighted that impaired driving charges consistently account for a significant portion of court dockets, emphasizing the intention to hold more drivers accountable for their actions. Despite existing penalties for impaired driving offenses, Thompson expressed concerns about their effectiveness in deterring individuals from driving while impaired.

PC MLA Robin Croucher, who previously worked as a paramedic, expressed his frustration with the persistence of impaired driving incidents on the island. He questioned whether the current strict laws and penalties were sufficient to address the issue, considering the lack of a significant decrease in impaired driving rates.

Both Thompson and Croucher recognized the potential benefits of automatic roadside penalties in keeping law enforcement officers on the road rather than tied up in court proceedings. However, they acknowledged the need for further exploration of the constitutional implications of such penalties before implementation.

The discussion surrounding automatic roadside penalties reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the ongoing challenge of impaired driving and improving road safety on Prince Edward Island. As they continue to explore new strategies and approaches, the focus remains on preventing future tragedies and protecting the well-being of all residents.