North Bay OPP has charged three impaired drivers in three days.
On July 3, a 57-year-old East Ferris man was charged with Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC) and Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus) contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC at a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) spot check on Quae-Quae Road in East Ferris Township.
On July 4, A 22-year-old East Ferris Township female was charged with Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus) contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC at a RIDE program on the North Bay by-pass, after she failed to stop.
On July 5, A 23-year-old North Bay man was charged with Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the CC, Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus) contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC and Driving While under Suspension (two counts) contrary to section 53(1) of the Highway Traffic Act after he was stopped for speeding on the by-pass.
All vehicles were impounded for seven days and the drivers licences were subject to a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS).
These incidents mark 23 drivers charged under the criminal impaired driving laws in the North Bay Detachment this year to date.
Bill McMullen, North Bay OPP Detachment Commander and Staff Sergeant, says that the 23 charged is a little behind last year`s pace, though still very alarming.
“It`s from no lack of trying. Every time we have a chance to go out there we`re there. It`s also not simply reactive calls. We are proactive in nature in identifying these impaired drivers. With the new laws, we can make an improved roadside screening demand without suspicion, and we are utilizing that tool, though some drivers have also been providing enough suspicion just by being under the influence of alcohol.“ he added.
If you suspect that someone is driving or about to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.
