How to Avoid Impaired Driving in Canada?

It’s all fun when you’re getting drunk or high until you have to drive back home. Some people think of it as an adventure to drive while being drunk. For them, it’s a challenge that they have to accomplish. However, while doing so, little do they realize that they are not only putting their lives at risk but others’ as well who are on the road and happen to cross their path.

This is a serious offence as per the Criminal Code of Canada, and you can be fined heavily for this if you are caught impaired driving. An impaired driving lawyer can guide you better about the charges you will face in a case you have been booked for this offence.

For the uninitiated, impaired driving isn’t only caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. If you have consumed drugs that can impair your ability to drive a vehicle safely, it is also called impaired driving. Even if those drugs have been prescribed by your doctor, consuming them and driving a car would still qualify as impaired driving.

On this note, let’s take a look at how you can avoid impaired driving in Canada:

Ways to Avoid Impaired Driving

Get Someone to Drive You Home

Even if you think you are sober, it’s advised that you arrange your drive back home. In case you have the services of a driver, contact them for picking you up from the location. In case one of your friends is sober, let them take charge of the vehicle. This, however, is a highly unlikely case since, mostly in gatherings like these, everyone’s drunk.

Call a Taxi

If you can’t get in contact with someone to drive you home, you can get a taxi for home. There are numerous mobile applications available, which can be used for this purpose. You can leave your car in the parking facility and pick it up the next day. Of course, it will be a hassle to come back again, but still less than getting charged for impaired driving, which can make you heavy fines.

Ensure you have your cell phone fully charged before leaving the home so that you can call the cab if the need arises.

Get Complete Information on Drugs You Use

As stated above, the use of certain drugs can also result in impaired driving. So, before using a drug for the first time, it’s better to consult your doctor about its effects on driving. Furthermore, avoid taking medicine if you plan to drink that day. The impact of combining both of them together can be quite dangerous if you plan to drive Also, make a point to go through the information available on the package of the drugs. Even if they are cold remedies or anti-allergens.

Consequences of Impaired Driving

Apart from putting lives in danger, you are doing yourself a lot of harm when you drive under the influence. On the first offence, your licence will be suspended for three days. And you will have to pay $250 as a penalty. If you have been found guilty of impaired driving within 5 years again, you will face a license suspension for 7 days. And the fine to be paid will be $350. It will also be made mandatory for you to attend an education program.

The licence suspension period for the 3^rd offence within the next 5 years is 30 days. However, the amount of the fine increases to $450. Apart from attending a mandatory education treatment program, you will have to use an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a minimum period of 6 months.

It is important to note that these rules and penalties vary from state to state. So, contact your lawyer for a clear picture of the charges you can face if found impaired driving.