Drunk drivers kill. They kill themselves, but more often than
not, they kill innocent people, sometimes family, friends, other
drivers and their passengers, pedestrians and two-wheeled riders
as well. The death toll across Canada each year is slightly more
than 1,000 persons killed by drinking drivers. This is a
terrible tragedy, but a significant reduction from the much
higher numbers recorded in the preceding decades. Groups such as
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have had an enormous impact
on both the public- and private-sector attitudes toward impaired
driving. Employers, licensed establishments, clubs, neighbours,
friends and even family have a duty to make accommodations to
prevent the incidence of impaired driving. Governments have
increased penalties and administrative prohibitions to deter
drunk driving in most every jurisdiction in our country.
Insurance companies, schools, and many other groups have
targeted programs to reduce the occurrence of drunk driving.
Individuals planning a social eve