Province considers new measure in crackdown of impaired driving

Drivers in Ontario convicted of impaired driving causing death could face ongoing child support payments if their actions lead to the death of a child’s parent or guardian.

It is part of the province’s efforts to crack down on impaired drivers.

The province recently put in place measures that included a lifetime driver’s licence suspension for anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death.

It also made it easier for victims’ families to sue impaired drivers in civil court.

Attorney General Doug Downey says no child should have to bear the weight of losing a parent to impaired driving.

“We are exploring the best way to improve the system to access financial support for surviving minor dependents of victims killed by impaired drivers,” says Downey.

“Additional measures, such as requiring a convicted impaired driver to pay financial support, would strengthen accountability and help ensure children receive meaningful support in the wake of such tragedies.”

Downey says the province is looking at similar requirements in other jurisdictions, such as Texas, as a model.

It brought down a law in 2023 that forces impaired drivers convicted of “intoxication manslaughter” and who killed a child’s parent or guardian to pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school.

“We will engage with impacted stakeholders, including victims’ families, legal experts, law enforcement and community partners to help evaluate the most effective approach,” says Downey.

Most recent statistics from the Ontario Provincial Police show that in 2024, more than 4,000 drivers were charged with impaired driving.

Three cases resulted in drivers being charged with the more serious impaired driving causing death.