Impaired Driving

Do you have $212,000.00 in spare disposable income? Ryan Hamman rear ended a vehicle that was stopped on Highway 1 near 176 Street in Surrey, B.C. That vehicle was driven forward into the vehicle in front of it and the driver of the first vehicle was injured. ICBC denied coverage because Mr. Hamman was impaired by alcohol at the time of the collision. Litigation ensued with the final outcome being damages against Mr. Hamman and in favour of ICBC amounting to $212,000.00.

Paul examines the case of Widdowson v Rockwell 2017 BCSC 385, a recent Supreme Court of British Columbia decision that determined liability for a crash in which the drunk driver Bradley Rockwell struck and severely injured Stuart Widdowson in Port Moody.

Paul examines an impaired driving crash in Vernon that occurred in October 2014 and recently concluded in court. Lori Vance is a mother of 4 with an unblemished driving record and was known for making sure that others did not drive while impaired. She made the choice to drive after drinking at a bar one night, running a red light, killing Erin Smith and seriously injuring Lindsey Hauck.

Mandeep Gainder, a novice driver, was discovered sitting in his idling car which emitted a strong odour of marihuana from the passenger compartment. Constable Troughton performed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test on Mr. Gainder who admitted smoking the drug and failed the test. A 24 hour prohibition for drug use was issued by Constable Earle. This suspension was not disputed.

Would you care to volunteer a sample of saliva to test for drug use? This question might soon be part of a drug impaired driving investigation in Vancouver.

The Australians are are passing the Christmas message that we all have a role to play in reducing road trauma. It's up to you to do your part. Plan how you are getting home from any parties or get togethers, don’t be distracted by your phone, keep your drinking separate from your driving, don’t drive when you are tired and overall – look out for each other on our roads.

Prevalence of Alcohol and Drug Use in Injured British Columbia Drivers

This study was conducted in seven major trauma centers in British Columbia between 2010 and 2012.

The conclusion:

The American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety has released a report titled An Evaluation of Data from Drivers Arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Relation to Per se Limits for Cannabis. Researchers examined Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and impaired driving arrest investigation data and compared the blood levels of THC to observed impairment. The conclusion made was that a quantitative threshold for per se laws for THC following cannabis use cannot be scientifically supported.

Hi, I am a 17 year old high school student. I live in British Columbia. I am a novice driver and I got pulled over when I was impaired. I blew a fail and got a 90 day suspension. I also have to pay more than $1700 in penalties.

The basis of this story comes from an inquiry posed by a young man who moved from BC to Alberta for work and was convicted for drinking and driving. He lost his job and was forced to move back home.