March 4, 2003
Estimates Debate
Question to Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Rich Coleman During Budget Estimates
R. Lee: I have a question on speeding. The minister took some steps last year to address reckless driving. It seems that the number of accidents has decreased, but we still read in the news media about tragedies caused by illegal car racing. Are there any considerations to impose even heavier penalties on illegal car racing and speeding in general?
Hon. R. Coleman: As the member is aware, we put in place 48-hour seizure of motor vehicles on the first offence of speed racing last year and, on the second offence, seizures of up to 30 days. We have had 60 drivers who have had their vehicles seized since that was put in place. By calling a 24-hour line with the superintendent of motor vehicles…. The superintendent of motor vehicles is allowed to suspend a driver's licence on the side of the road for up to two years with regard to dangerous driving involving speed racing, and 180 drivers have received those roadside driving suspensions for racing.
In addition to that, there are other penalties under the Criminal Code where we get into dangerous driving and criminal negligence. I think we've actually put in place…. In addition to some of the other reviews like the graduated licensing, which is still under review right now, there are initiatives that will help us to reduce speed racing. I mean, obviously, this is an activity that we'd like to see go away completely.
Ironically, today I was provided with a copy of a legislative document. I believe it's from New Zealand or Australia, where they are actually looking at a piece of legislation to seize vehicles and do the same thing we're doing in North America with regard to speed racing between young people.
It is a challenge that will be ongoing and that we'll try and deal with. I think we've tried to manage it in an appropriate manner through education and some penalties. Police have not asked for any additional tools at this stage with regard to it.
Our attitude is that there's a zero-tolerance policy with regard to speed racing in B.C. We would like to see our young people not participating in it because of the danger that is there. I think we need time to see how the initial steps that we've made actually work their way through the system.
R. Lee: My other question is on substance abuse. Many of my constituents are concerned about substance abuse or drug problems. Are there any plans to raise awareness among youth on the damage to their health due to substance abuse and the problem of addiction?
Hon. R. Coleman: We have some programs that the police do, like the DARE program and educational programs in the schools. In addition to that, there's an ongoing relationship, I guess…. I would think most of the abuse or addiction issues would rest with the Ministry of Health Services or Health Planning or even Mental Health because of the people who are addicted. Through this ministry we do encourage our police to participate in whatever education programs there are to reduce the abuse and use of drugs. We will continue to do that. To deal with substance abuse and addiction is going to require, as everybody knows, a comprehensive plan cross-ministry and cross-jurisdiction — whether it be municipal, health authorities and governments at all levels, including the federal government — to find long-term strategies.
There has been some of that going on already with the health authority and with some of the issues being dealt with in Vancouver. I think we're all watching to see what programs could come forward and measure the ones that are successful and apply those in additional communities.
R. Lee: Continuing on education, often the education of youth, seniors and also women about public safety issues…. There is sometimes a lack of information in the community regarding education for those groups. Are there any plans in the ministry to have some kinds of programs among those groups for public safety and personal safety?
Hon. R. Coleman: The ministry funds programs for Block Parents, Block Watch and crime prevention societies, which are educational programs that go back into the communities and which lead to programs, as the member describes. We're continuing to do that. We actually doubled the amount of money we gave to the B.C. Crime Prevention Association last year, quadrupled Block Parents, doubled Block Watch and tried to get the moneys into the communities at the base, where the programs could be best delivered to as many people as possible.
R. Lee: My last question is on car theft. There are some kinds of suggestions on putting locks into the steering wheels of cars. Also, that would sometimes prevent car thefts. Also, for drunk drivers I heard that in the U.S., they have some device to put on the ignition system so that you cannot start a car if you are drunk. Are there any programs in cooperation with ICBC, for example, to reduce car accidents and also car thefts in those areas? That's my last question.
Hon. R. Coleman: There were a variety of questions within the question. I'll try and deal with them. Insurance companies do actually give discounts to people on their comprehensive with regard to providing either alarms or locking devices on vehicles so they can't be stolen. The member also mentioned the interlock device, which is a device that's recommended by some organizations with regard to impaired drivers not being able to start their vehicle if they have alcohol on their breath. We are looking at that as part of our overall review that we're doing with regard to impaired driving, whether they be repeat offenders or whatever the case may be.
