Sudbury police report an increase in impaired driving charges in 2023

Impaired driving increased in Sudbury last year Sudbury police say there was a 5% increase in impaired driving offences in 2023 with more than 300 impaired driving charges laid.

There was a five per cent increase in impaired driving offences in 2023, a recent meeting the Sudbury Police Service Board was told.

Sudbury impaired Pictured are Insp. Marc Brunette, left, and Const. Devin Weber of the Greater Sudbury Police Service. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

“In 2023 we saw, of course, alcohol-related impaired offences did lead the way. Drug-impaired offences were very close behind it,” Const. Devin Weber told the board.

“Again our officers are very good at detecting impaired drivers -- both alcohol and drug -- and as a result, we are seeing success in taking more impaired drivers off the road.”

Of the 308 impaired driving charges in 2023, 26 resulted from roadside spot checks and 65 resulted from motor vehicle collisions.

Insp. Marc Brunette said spot checks not only help catch impaired drivers but help with educating the public.

“Officers locally have coined it, ‘anytime, anywhere,’” Brunette said, adding that drivers should expect to see spot checks this holiday weekend.