North Bay Deputy Police Chief reacts to survey on drinking and driving

There seems to be a disconnect between what people know and the action they take when it comes driving under the influence.

A new survey commissioned by Alcohol Countermeasure Systems says 78 per cent of people in the poll agree that even a small amount of alcohol can impair a drivers ability.

Yet 38 per cent say they have driven when they’ve been over the legal limit or aren’t sure whether they are.

North Bay Deputy Police Chief Scott Tod says the best advice is if you have had a drink, don’t drive.

He says there are options other than driving yourself including calling a cab, spending the night or phoning a friend.

Tod says he’s surprised at the 38 per cent figure when there is so much education out there about what the proper action should be for the motorist to take.

The survey by Leger says 25 per cent of those polled say if they are over the legal limit they’re confident they’re a safe driver.

Interestingly, that figure is 30 per cent for men and 17 per cent for women when broken down.

The number of Canadians who aren’t sure if they’re over the legal limit varies: men at 42 per cent and women at 25.