Mothers Against Drunk Driving held its annual fundraising walk on Sunday, where organizers reminded British Columbians about the tough new drunk driving penalties that will take effect in just eight days.
This year's Strides for Change event was an emotional one, featuring heartfelt speeches and the unveiling of a monument to drunk driving victims in Burnaby's Central Park.
Marita Maas, a mother of two who works with MADD, was a victim herself. Three years ago she was severely injured after being hit head-on by a drunk driver.
Her children were so young at the time that Maas says if she had been killed, "they wouldn't remember their mom."
But after years of pushing for change, Maas says the government finally got it right.
Starting on Sept. 20, police in the province will have the power to instantly and severely punish drunk drivers.
Drivers stopped with blood-alcohol content above .08 will be subject to an immediate 90-day driving ban and given a $500 administrative penalty.
Additional towing fees, mandatory driver education and the use of an ignition locking device can bring the total cost up to $3,750.
Drivers found in the warning range, with blood-alcohol content between .05 and .08, face a three-day driving ban and a $200 penalty. The penalties increase for second and third warnings.
The new measures are considered the toughest in Canada, and MADD is optimistic they will be harsh enough to make some potential drunk drivers reconsider.
"That's my hope," Maas said. "That is the hope of everyone here today."
For a full list of the new driving regulations, click here.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's St. John Alexander
