Photograph By Mike Youds Harsher drunk driving penalties have had a major impact, saving more lives than expected when they were introduced last year. Premier Christy Clark announced Wednesday that alcohol-related deaths are down by 40 per cent in the province. That's the equivalent of 45 lives saved. When the rules were brought in last fall, the goal was a 35 per cent drop in fatalities over three years. "Just one year later, preliminary data shows we are already exceeding that with a 40 per cent reduction," Clark said. "That's 45 more families in B.C. who have been able to keep a loved one safe from impaired drivers."