By Taylor McClure, Special to Brome County News – Despite Canada’s tough new drinking and driving laws that came into effect this year, too many people continue to engage in the criminal and dangerous behaviour of driving while under the influence of alcohol. Under the new law, a police officer can ask a driver to take a breathalyzer test at any time without reasonable grounds to believe the driver has consumed alcohol. Fines have also been increased for offenders, with a $1000 fine for a first offence, and risk of jail for a period that can range from 30 days to 10 years. Still, there are those who will slide behind the wheel of the car without regard for the law, their own safety or the safety of others. Brome County News spoke with two young women and one man who admitted to getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. One driver cited the limited access to public transportation in the Brome-Lake area as a reason for driving after drinking. During the holiday season, she explained, “there is Nez Rouge but that’s it.” Another mentioned peer pressure. “When you’re the only one with a vehicle and all your friends want to go home without a hassle there is a lot of pressure to take it upon yourself to drive them home.” Read the full story in the May 28 edition of the Brome County News.
Drinking and driving: Don’t do it
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