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Older drivers facing more impaired charges

By: Aldo Santin

Posted: 02/7/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Enlarge Image

The RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Public Insurance have teamed up to drive home the message about the dangers of distracted driving.

YOUNG drivers are getting the "don't drink and drive" message but their older counterparts are not.

That's the message officials see in data the Winnipeg Police Service released from its 2011 Festive Checkstop Program, which show motorists between the ages of 26 and 40 made up the bulk of individuals charged with impaired-driving-related offences this past holiday season.

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Of the 52 impaired-related charges, 26- to 40-year-olds were responsible for 53 per cent of offences.

Those 20 and younger -- the age group targeted by massive media efforts -- made up only a small percentage of those charged with impaired-driving offences.

"This shows that young people are getting it," Winnipeg police Sgt. Rob Riffel said. "Whether it's been drivers' education or other efforts, I think these numbers show that this age group knows that drinking and driving is not acceptable."

Manitoba Public Insurance Inc. spokesman Brian Smiley cautioned 2011 Festive Checkstop arrest results are a snapshot but added they indicate older drivers remain a problem in understanding the perils of drinking and driving.

"What this shows is that the arrest record for this distinctive age group (26 to 40) is certainly high," Smiley said. "This age group has been exposed to various forms of drinking-and-driving message, but why those charged haven't been following it is most puzzling. It's disappointing to see that."

Riffel, the WPS impaired-driving countermeasures co-ordinator, said it seems old attitudes are hard to change.

"Some people (in this age group) still think it's a badge of honour if they can get home if they're impaired," Riffel said.

Smiley said MPI data from 2009 showed drivers under the age of 25 accounted for 30 per cent of all alcohol-related Criminal Code convictions but made up only 14 per cent of all drivers in the province. This year's Checkstop indicates the conviction record for that age group may be dropping, and that's good news, he said. Smiley said the arrest data show it will take more effort by MPI, police and other agencies to reach the older demographic.

"We need to continue delivering the message," Smiley said.

Data from the 2010 Checkstop program found more motorists (79) were charged with impaired-driving-related offences than in 2011 (52), and drivers 20 years of age and younger accounted for a higher percentage (10 per cent) of those charged in 2010, compared to 2011 (3.8 per cent).

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca

Checkstop

by the

numbers

Winnipeg police charged 52 motorists with impaired driving during its 2011 Festive Checkstop Program:

53 per cent of those charged were between the ages of 26 and 40 years.

The youngest charged was a 20-year-old male.

The oldest was a 76-year-old male.

Males accounted for 77 per cent of the charges; females, 23 per cent.

-- data provided by the Winnipeg Police Service

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 7, 2012 A4

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