The Traffic Injury Research Foundation estimates in 2009 (the most recent year for which official stats are available), 884 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Canada.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) refers to the weight of alcohol (mg) in a standard volume of blood (100 ml). It is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC that exceeds 80 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
A wide range of drugs (illicit, prescription and some over-the-counter) also have impairing effects on driving-related skills. It is also known that many of these drugs are found in drivers involved in serious collision – as many of 25% of fatally injured drivers have been found to be positive for some psychoactive substance.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to remind all drivers that there are alternatives to drinking and driving. Call a cab, use a designated driver or plan to stay overnight. The risks are just not worth it.