Survey shows significant number admit to drinking and driving

While many people believe stopping impaired driving to be an important social issue, there is evidence that a significant number of drivers are getting behind the wheel after drinking.
A new survey by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) and Toyota Canada found that a full 18% of drivers admitted to drinking and driving at some point in the past month. This is despite the vast majority 81% – saying drinking and driving is a leading social issue. Based on these results, TIRF estimates 3.9 million Canadians drink and drive.
Interestingly, the survey found teens less likely than adults to say they had driven after drinking, despite a perception on the part of respondents that teen drunk driving was the more serious issue. Less than 12% of teens say they have driven within two hours of drinking alcohol, compared to almost 28% of 25-34 year olds.
These results actually correspond to accident statistics, says Dr. Doug Beirness, vice president of research for TIRF. “Statistics show that alcohol is involved in crashes involving teens much less often than in collisions involving older drivers. Consistent with this, teenage drivers account for only five per cent of all impaired driving trips, less than any age group.”
Respondents were also generally unaware that most provinces hold drivers to a stricter level than the 80 mg/dl limit in the Canadian Criminal Code. And, 84% say that it would be a good idea to hold drivers to a zero blood alcohol level standard. And more than three-quarters of respondents support measures including: physical coordination tests for drivers suspected of being impaired; alcohol ignition interlocks for convicted drivers; mandatory blood or breath tests for drivers involved in collisions; and immediate impoundment of drinking drivers’ vehicles.