Mail bag: 03/05/26
‘No excuse left’
Dear Editor:
Reading the recent reports of multiple impaired driving charges across Fergus, Mount Forest and North Perth is both alarming and deeply frustrating. Within a matter of days, several individuals were charged with driving over 80mg, dangerous driving, and even breaching probation orders. This is not a one-off mistake – this is a pattern.
We are fortunate that in these particular incidents no lives were lost. But how long before that changes? How many times do we need to read the same headlines before we collectively say, enough?
A 90-day licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impound may be the legal consequence, but is it enough to truly deter someone who knowingly gets behind the wheel impaired?
Driving is not a right, it is a responsibility.
When someone chooses to drink and drive, they are not only risking their own life, but the lives of innocent families, children and other motorists who did nothing wrong.
What troubles me even more is that one of the drivers was already on probation.
That tells us something is not working. If previous charges and court appearances are not enough to stop this behaviour, then we must ask serious questions about enforcement, penalties and education.
We live in a time where there are endless alternatives: taxis, rideshare services, designated drivers, etc. – plus public awareness campaigns and RIDE programs. There is simply no excuse left.
This is not about shaming individuals, it is about protecting our communities. We should not have to wait for a tragedy to take stronger action.
Impaired driving is 100% preventable. The only thing required is a decision not turn the key.
Margherita Tabone,
Rockwood