Validated by science and statistics

Éduc’alcool was pleased to see the new provision making it illegal for people under the age of 22 to drive with even the slightest amount of alcohol in their blood. This measure is justified by both science and statistics.

Young adults are hugely overrepresented in road accidents. Although they make up only 10% of all drivers, they are involved in more than 25% of all accidents.

Recent findings in neuroscience show that, until the age of 24, the portion of the brain responsible for such functions as the capacity to predict, anticipate, and make judgements, is still developing, while the thrill-seeking impulse is still very present.

On another level, it is important to emphasize that, in order for a law to be effective, it must be enforced.

In Quebec, the perception that you will get caught if you break the drunk-driving law is notoriously low. Available data are conclusive on this matter. So long as Quebecers do not really believe they will be arrested if they drive while impaired, legislation will be practically useless.

Police patrols and roadblocks must be increased notably and spectacularly, in order to make people feel that there is a very good chance they will be arrested if they drive drunk.

Finally, we cannot let up on education and awareness efforts, in particular via the guide called Drinking, Driving, Making the right choice, distributed by Éduc’alcool to all driving schools in Quebec.

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