Lots of discussion on twitter regarding the Alberta Governments implementation of Bill 26
While the Wildrose has mounted a coaster campaign and Government claiming it is too save lives, I thought I would weigh in my 2 cents in over 140 characters.
While in an intelligent conversation on Twitter with Minister Hancock I actually found it unclear what the actual intent is behind this bill. In my opinion it almost sounds prohibition like. Here is why, and I will use the words of Minister Hancock of course remember he only had 140 characters.
"@AlbertaAltruist Enforcement is important, but judgement is the key. It is not who is above .05, it is people who think they are ok when not"
Well no argument from me on this statement. Judgement is key in the drinking and driving issue. This being said, the bill indeed targets the BAC content of .05%. I responded @DaveHancockMLA To believe that .05 law will change peoples judgment is reaching IMO. What about accidents in 0-.05% Considered impaired? Again a reasonable response from the Minister to my question.
@AlbertaAltruist could be. impairment is not just alcohol level. people need to use judgement at a time when judgement is not impaired
My response:@DaveHancockMLA Dave, you are affirming in my opinion the .05 limit makes no difference. People knowing impairment level does & enforcement. This is where me the the Minister have our difference in opinion with this response.
@AlbertaAltruist the .05 gets people to focus + therefore makes a difference. KNOWING IMPAIRMENT LIMIT REQUIRES JUDGEMENT when not impaired
I am no scholar on the matter so I can only share my personal thoughts and questions on this. First off is the .05 limit legislated to prevent impaired driving deaths? If so why is it treated differently than the .08 laws. Does the BAC percentage make a difference when someone dies? In my opinion if your impaired, your impaired especially if the outcome is the same.
Secondly the Minister says the .05 gets people to focus. Really, because if I have a couple of drinks I honestly could not tell you if I was .02 or .07% BAC. Not only that, KNOWING IMPAIRMENT LIMIT REQUIRES JUDGEMENT when not impaired really makes no sense to me. After all they are setting the limit at .05, while claiming you are impaired.
What about the .01 to .05 range? There are accidents. Are these people impaired? If I am fatigued driving I may be a bigger danger than if I have a BAC of .05.Impaired?
In short, I think if .05 is impaired it should follow .08 laws period if it is to save lives. These limits generally mean nothing as we don't test our BAC prior to driving. The bill has given the power to let Police play judge and jury on people. Sorry but they are not trained for this. All in all I think this bill is a feel good bill for the election run up. Would love to hear what you think.
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