It seems as if there are harsh consequences to drunk driving no matter where you go. And while some people may cringe when they open up their daily newspaper to find a DUI case or drunk driving accident, it can even be more shocking when that person is a public official.
British Columbia Globe and Mail reports that Jane Thornthwaite, a member of the Legislative Assembly in Canada, is facing impaired-driving charges. Ms. Thornthwaite was pulled over during a roadside check and had an alleged blood-alcohol level of .11 percent, where the legal limit in British Columbia is .08 percent.
Some Canadians are so distraught by Ms. Thornthwaite's alleged drunkenness, that they feel she should leave her position of office. The Vancouver head of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Bob Rorison, is calling on Ms.Thornthwaite to resign since her impaired driving charge, according to CDC News.
"I think someone that's being fully responsible should step aside until the charges are laid out and everything's transparent," Mr. Rorison told CDC News. "We hold our MLAs to a higher standard. We expect them to look after us as public tax-paying citizens."
Ms. Thornthwaite has since apologized for her actions, but some Canadians see her apology as too little, too late. Perhaps the Canadian lawmakers can learn a thing or two from the Grand Canyon state. In Arizona, DUI offenders are held to strict standards. Anybody convicted of a DUI faces a mandatory jail sentence; even first-time offenders. And if you think MADD members are strict in Canada, there are extreme anti-drunk driving enthusiasts in the state of Arizona as well.
Related Resources:
- Arizona DUI Law (FindLaw)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (LawBrain)
- Arizona DUI Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
