A CTV investigation has prompted B.C.'s top cop to order a review of a law that allows suspected drunk drivers to be back on the road after an initial 24-hour suspension.
The news comes after CTV News learned a suspected drunk driver facing charges in the May 3 death of 22-year-old Kassandra Kaulius still has her driver's licence.
After the crash, witnesses said the suspect was unable to talk and could barely walk. Yesterday, CTV learned that after an initial 24-hour roadside suspension, the suspect has been allowed to carry a driver's licence.
The law allows a 21 day grace period before a three month driving prohibition is imposed.
B.C. Solicitor General Shirley Bond says she's distressed at the 21-day time lag and has ordered an immediate review of the law.
"Absolutely going to take a look at this in light of the other steps we've taken as a government to say that drinking and driving is unacceptable in this province. And again, I am assured that the superintendent of motor vehicles will be taking action in this case," Bond told CTV News from the Liberal convention in Penticton.
Bond says the superintendent has now received a police report into the case. She can't say what action will be taken but does say that the superintendent has the authority to suspend a licence for up to a year, effective immediately.
The fact that the person who allegedly killed their loved one is free on bail has disgusted Kaulius's family.
"If she had shot my sister, she would be in jail. But because she hit her with a car, she's at home. There's something wrong there. That is not justice," the victim's sister, Miranda Tracy, said Thursday.
Rob Rorison, the Vancouver president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving says the grace period should be done away with altogether.
"We just can't accept to have this carnage on the road anymore. The public has to get behind everyone involved in changing drunk driving laws and being responsible on the road," Rorrison said.
Laurel Middelaer, whose four-year-old daughter Alexa was killed by a drunk driver in 2008, says the loophole needs to be closed.
"They need to make sure that it's in alignment with our other consequences and logically it doesn't fit and something needs to be done," she said.
Middelaer said B.C.'s drunk driving laws have resulted in far fewer deaths but work still needs to be done.
"I know that change is happening in this province but it's not happening quickly enough and we can't afford to keep losing amazing members of our society, she said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Michele Brunoro
