New constitutional “sanctuary” for impaired drivers who leave the highway to stop
June 22, 2021 by Greg MeckbachIf you drive drunk in Ontario, it’s your way or the highway. Impaired drivers can now find “sanctuary” by pulling off a public “highway” and on to private property when they see a police car, a Court of Appeal for…
Roadside licence suspensions for impaired drivers faces court challenge
January 15, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe British Columbia law intended to immediately get impaired drivers off the road could be headed – yet again – to the Supreme Court of Canada. Canada’s top court announced Jan. 10 that Larry Edward Lemieux has applied for leave…
Could auto liability cover negligent parenting lawsuit?
January 13, 2020 by Greg MeckbachIf you allow your child to ride in a vehicle allegedly driven by an impaired driver, and your child sues you for negligent parenting, does the vehicle liability policy cover you? Not as it stands. But the question could be…
Why 24-hour driving bans have lawyers arguing in this province
September 18, 2019 by Greg MeckbachDespite a “poorly-worded” section of the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act, a 24-hour driving prohibition against a suspected impaired driver has been restored in a recent appeal court ruling. In July of 2017, Patrick George Franlin Evans was told by…
Bartenders’ liability for impaired driving accidents – civil versus criminal
May 22, 2019 Paola Loriggio - THE CANADIAN PRESSLegal experts say criminal charges like those laid against a former bar server in connection with a drunk-driving crash that killed two Ottawa-area teens are rare and difficult to prove. Ann Senack, 62, of Greater Madawaska Township, was charged in…
Drinking and boating accident sparks disagreement among judges
December 18, 2018 by Greg MeckbachIn a recent divided ruling over the constitutional rights of drivers suspected of being impaired after causing an accident, the Supreme Court of Canada has narrowly upheld the conviction of an Ontario woman who operated a boat after drinking. R.…