Province Toughens Stance On Impaired Driving With A Child

The provincial government is putting more teeth into penalties for drivers who are impaired with a child in the car. As of Wednesday, South Shore motorists convicted of impaired driving with a child passenger face increased penalties, including losing their licence for at least two years and participating in the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program, for at least one year, at their expense. The interlock device prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. MADD Canada Atlantic Region director, Susan MacAskill, says the group stands behind the changes.



Convicted impaired drivers with a blood-alcohol level of more than .08 receive a criminal record and face a minimum fine of $1,000. About one-third of people killed on Nova Scotia's roads each year are a result of impaired driving.