Source: OPP
Grey Bruce OPP have laid charges against seven drivers in the first five weeks of 2024 for impaired driving.
Community Services and Media Officer Constable Krista Linthorne says that it’s a concern.
The drivers who were arrested and charged ranged in age from 17 to 58 years old and were caught throughout the Grey Bruce detachment’s area.
“If you’re caught with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 mg per litre [of blood], or you refuse our demand for alcohol or drug testing or perform poorly during a drug recognition expert evaluation, you can face an immediate roadside suspension – that’s a driver’s licence suspension of 90 days and a 7-day vehicle impoundment,” says Linthorne.
She also mentions all of the additional costs someone charged with impaired driving would have if they were charged and going to court, including court costs and lawyer fees.
There’s also the consequence of the harm that can be done in the event of a collision, including injury and possible death if other people are involved.
Linthorne says that you can help prevent someone from driving while impaired.
“Say you’re at a house party and someone’s going to leave [while intoxicated]. Instead of maybe getting in a confrontation with them you can try to stop them… you can call police or 911,” she says.
Linthorne adds that calling 911 on someone you suspect is impaired while driving is a good decision. “If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 911 to report it.”
Of the seven charges, some highlights include:
– A 17-year-old driver was found to be under the influence of drugs and found to be in possession of methamphetamine
– A 39-year-old driver from Owen Sound was pulled over after an automated licence plate recognition hit. They were driving while their licence was suspended.
– A 58-year-old from Brampton was charged after police responded to reports of a vehicle fire and an intoxicated individual walking away from the scene.