Tough restrictions for young drivers 'smart'

Changes to N.B. system set to take effect next spring

Tougher rules for young drivers coming down the pipe in Ontario and New Brunswick are "smart laws" that help keep everybody safe on the road, says the local president of MADD Canada.

Proposed new rules in Ontario give zero tolerance for impaired driving, speeding and other infractions, and put tighter restrictions on drivers 21 and under. These rules are very similar to changes that come into effect in New Brunswick next spring.

"These are changing times and whenever you make changes you are going to get resistance, but if it is a good idea and it saves lives, people will go along with it," Moncton lawyer Chris Nagle said yesterday.

While some young drivers may feel they are being unfairly painted with a big brush, Nagle said tougher laws are for the good of everyone.

"These are smart laws that address a well-known fact that it takes a while for people to learn how to operate a vehicle, that it takes a while for people to deal with liquor responsibly and it takes a while to learn to multitask while driving."

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