Sudbury Police deter impaired drivers with threat of financial costs

Greater Sudbury Police arehoping the threat of an unnecessary financial pinchwill deterdrivers from driving drunk.

Cst.John Coluzzisayssome of the costs start as soon as officers pull amotorist over. The drivermust pay for towing and storage of their vehicle. That could run close to$500.

Then the driver must hire a lawyer and pay forlegal fees and court costs. Depending on the lawyer's price tag that could run between$2,000 and$10,000.

There is the criminal code fine to pay, whichstarts at a minimum$1,000.

The convicted impaired driver must go through an alcohol education and treatment program. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, that$600 cost isrequired if the driverwants their licence back.

As well, under the ministry's guidelines, convicted impaired drivers must also have an ignition interlock installed in their vehicle, which costs around$1,900. Every time the motoristwants to drive their vehicle they must provide a breathe sample into this device.

'Just not worth it'

The most expensive costs on the list is the increase to carinsurance rates after an impaired driving conviction,Coluzzi says. And depending on the insurance company, that could run about $5,500per year. Over three years, that adds up to $16,500.

The total costs could be different for each driver depending on how much they have to fork over inlegal or court fees or how much insurance rates increase following theimpaired driving conviction.

And if a driver can't afford their new higher insurance rates, they may attempt to drive without insurance. That means if they're caught by policewithout insurance that couldturninto more fines and new legal costs.

Coluzzi saidthere is alsoadded emotional or physical costs associated with an impaired driving conviction. Some people may lose their marriage ortheir jobbecause of their mistake. Others find their physical or mental health failing due to stress.

And, if an impaireddriver seriously injuresor killssomeone in a collision, there is no amount of money that can compensate for thisloss of life.

There are always options to drinking and driving, Coluzzisaid. People cancall a cab, call a friend, spend the night, take transit or walk.

"Make the right decision so you don't have to deal with the added costs of impaired driving," Coluzzi said.

"[And]your family doesn't have to deal with the consequences of your bad decision."