• Approximately 104 lives have been saved since B.C.'s immediate roadside prohibition (IRP) law came into effect in 2010. Alcohol-related traffic fatalities dropped 46 per cent.

• In 2012, amendments to the IRP program improved the appeal process and preserved the deterrent value of the law.

• The 2012 Roadside Alcohol and Drug Survey found:

• a reduction of 44 per cent of drivers with blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 or over and a nearly 60 per cent reduction of those at or over 0.08 per cent.
• 82 per cent of drivers were aware of the IRP sanctions and 90 per cent felt the legislation would make roads safer.

• The number of DriveABLE locations nearly doubled in 2012 (from 15 to 28) to make it easier to attend assessments.

• DriveABLE assessments are available in: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Courtenay, Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Duncan, Kamloops, Kelowna, Langford, Nanaimo, Nelson, North Vancouver, Penticton, Port Alberni, Powell River, Prince George, Richmond, Salmon Arm, Sechelt, Surrey, Terrace, Vancouver, Vernon, Victoria and Williams Lake.

• DriveABLE assessments are now scheduled for 90 minutes per assessment - up from 60 previously - to allow time for questions and practice, reducing the likelihood clients will experience anxiety or stress from feeling rushed. 

• Drivers can take a DriveABLE on-road evaluation if they do not pass the in-office assessment. 

• In June 2012, new helmet standards and seating requirements for motorcyclists and passengers came into effect.
  

Contact:
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-6961