In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1986. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: The first legislation concerning impaired driving in Canada was introduced in 1969. The 1970s and early 1980s saw many calls for increased enforcement and stricter penalties, led largely by grass-roots organizations similar to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) in the US (no group in Canada was officially affiliated with MADD until 1989). Such campaigns focused a lot of public attention on the issue and in December 1985, Bill C-19 amended the Criminal Code of Canada and introduced two new impaired driving charges: impaired driving causing bodily harm and impaired driving causing death. It also raised the minimum fine for driving while impaired from $50 to $300 and authorized longer sentences for convictions.
Question: Do you think new heavier penalties will discourage people from drinking and driving?
Rick Flebbe – Photographer & Stylist – Whistler & Vancouver
I think it will discourage some people, but not others. But every little bit of enforcement helps. People are more aware of the problem now than they were in the past. Tougher laws have made a difference.
Mac Jones – Pilot – Surrey
I think so. In fact, I’m sure they are. We went to a couple of parties over the holidays and people were serving a lot less liquor than they used to. And people were carrying in a lot less. People aren’t serving it so much anymore. It’s helping a lot.
Barry Waefer – Musician – Vancouver
Oh, definitely. Yes, people are drinking and driving less because of the new laws and because of all of the media coverage. I think they should make the laws even tougher.