For the last two days major Toronto area highways have been closed at the start of rush hour because of dreadful accidents. Both accidents seem to have been alcohol related.
It's no news that alcohol plays a big role in traffic accidents -- just ask MADD.
But very drunk drivers at 4 or 5 am? Where are they coming from? Why were they drinking at, say, 3 am on a Monday night? And why now?
Some booze cans stay open late and it is an open secret that some restaurants start serving vodka in teacups after 1 am (I have prosecuted and defended such cases). But so far as I know there is no change in the status quo -- maybe it's just a tragic coincidence.
Still, this all ties in to my ongoing rant about drugs in society as a cause of much crime. And alcohol, though legal, is a drug (I do not advocate prohibition and I like my wine -- but not when driving).
Take alcohol related issues out of the justice system (drunk driving, much spousal assault, other assaults, some robberies) and our Ontario Court of Justice lists would decline by at least half. Take the other drugs out and the OCJ. would have almost no work.
Canada has to have a total overhaul of the way we deal with drugs and those addicted to them. This is not so much a matter of criminal law as public health and safety. It's not just property, it's lives that are being lost.
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