As the Easter long weekend continues, provincial police are continuing to urge motorists to drive sober, particularly after responding to multiple impaired driving incidents in the Southern Georgian Bay region this week.
Driver reverses into post
The most recent incident occurred early Friday morning in Midland according to Southern Georgian Bay OPP.
At around 3:00 a.m., the driver of a dark SUV allegedly got stuck after backing over a metal post near the intersection of Yonge Street and Highway 93. Police say responding officers located the suspect vehicle and began an impaired driving investigation after speaking with the driver.
The 25-year-old Midland driver was charged with driving while impaired by alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres (80-plus), careless driving, failing to surrender a vehicle permit and failing to surrender an insurance card.
Near head-on collision
A second incident occurred late Thursday evening, when, at around 11:15 p.m., an oncoming driver allegedly almost hit a patrolling officer near Pine Street and Coldwater Road in Waubaushene.
Police say the officer had to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision and was able to safely stop the suspect driver nearby. After speaking to the driver, the officer began investigating him for impaired driving.
The 20-year-old Milverton driver was charged with driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs, driving with an 80-plus blood alcohol concentration, and dangerous operation.
Driver reported by citizen
Earlier in the week, a community member reported a possibly impaired driver in Penetanguishene Sunday afternoon near Main Street and Poyntz Street.
Police say officers located the suspect vehicle in a nearby mall parking lot and investigated the driver after he exhibited signs of impairment.
The 66-year-old driver from Oakville was charged with driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs and driving with an 80-plus blood alcohol concentration.
The three accused drivers were released and scheduled for future court dates. Their licences were suspended for 90 days and their vehicles were impounded for seven days.
Southern Georgian Bay OPP reminds drivers that their detachment officers will be ramping up patrol efforts over the Easter weekend to keep motorists safe while they visit family and friends.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead if they plan on consuming alcohol, and community members are urged to call 911 if they observe a driver who might be impaired.
