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The Newfoundland and Labrador government has introduced changes to the Highway Traffic Act to give greater penalties to people who drink and drive but don't fail a breathalyzer test.
Currently, if the test finds a driver has a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 he or she is charged with impaired driving.
If the changes are adopted, drivers who blow between 0.05 and 0.08 on a breathalyzer test will lose their driving privileges for seven days instead of the current 24 hours.
The penalty for repeat offenders will also increase up to a maximum of six months.
Government Services Minister Kevin O'Brien says the changes are necessary to protect public safety. He said other provinces have made similar changes.
"We're not the leaders. I'd like to be a leader to be honest with you because I think it's unacceptable to drive on our highways, provincial roads and highways with any type of alcohol level in," said O'Brien.
"You are responsible. You're in control behind the wheel — other people's lives are at stake including your own."
The proposed changes also target people who text while they are driving.
O'Brien said that if the proposed revisions are adopted, texting while driving will be outlawed.
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