Long weekend traffic stop leads to impaired driving charges in northern Ontario

Efforts to reduce impaired driving in the northeast seem to be working in some communities – provincial police say stats are still high.

A Bruce Mills man is facing impaired driving-related charges following a traffic stop on Highway 638 in Plumber Additional Township on Friday evening.

On April 18 at about 8 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a RIDE (reduce impaired driving everywhere) program on the roadway, police said in a news release.

RIDE Check An Ontario Provincial Police conducting a traffic stop as part of RIDE (reduce impaired driving everywhere) operations in this undated photo. (File photo/Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)

“Police stopped a white sports utility vehicle and spoke to the driver,” said OPP.

“An odour of alcoholic beverage was emanating from the driver’s breath and they displayed signs of alcohol impairment.”

As a result of the incident, the 61-year-old motorist was charged with two impaired driving offences – including operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

In accordance with legislation, the SUV involved was impounded by police for seven days at the owner’s expense and the accused also received a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court in Elliot Lake on June 5.

Report impaired drivers Ontario Provincial Police are urging the public to report suspected impaired drivers. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

“The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive,” said police.

“Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police.”