For immediate release:
May 15, 2007
Alcohol a bad mix with boating and driving
Barrett urges area residents to stay safe this long weekend
Queen’s Park—MPP Toby Barrett is urging area residents and out-of-town tourists to stay safe this coming long weekend by not drinking before boating or driving.
“There are positive reasons to be sober when you drive or boat – you will be doing your part to keep our roads and waterways safe,” said Barrett. “But people shouldn’t forget about the stiff penalties they’ll face for breaking the law.”
The Ministry of Transportation estimates that an impaired driving conviction will cost the offender at least $18,025, based on:
- Estimated legal costs of $2,000-10,000
- Criminal Code fine of $600
- Back on Track program costing $475
- License reinstatement fee of $4,150
- Estimated increased insurance costs of $13,500 over three years
- Ignition interlock costing $1,300
“We hear the alarming statistics about the numbers of people who selfishly drink and then drive their vehicles,” Barrett said. “Let’s not forget that boating killed 36 people last year.”
“The bottom line – don’t do it. It’s never okay to drink and operate any vehicle or vessel,” Barrett concluded.
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446, 1-800-903-8629, or visit: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/impaired/breaklaw/breaklaw.htm
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