Driver caught behind the wheel at twice the legal drinking limit on Hwy. 417

Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. (Source: OPP/File Image)

An Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught behind the wheel at twice the legal drinking limit on Highway 417 early Sunday morning.

Ontario Provincial Police say officers received a traffic complaint about a possible impaired driver going westbound on the highway near Pinecrest Road shortly after midnight.

The vehicle was reported to be travelling “well below” the speed limit and “weaving through traffic.”

Officers located the driver and they were arrested. The 33-year-old driver faces two charges of operation while impaired.

The driver received a 90-day driving suspension and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.

They will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

OPP have been warning about an increase in impaired driving in eastern Ontario this year. A total of 357 impaired drivers in the region were caught as of March 12, including 41 over the March Break. That’s up from 319 at the same time last year.

Those who suspect someone is driving impaired or who see someone driving dangerously are asked to call 911.