Ottawa police conducted dozens of mandatory alcohol screening tests and charged 92 drivers on the roads during a traffic blitz over Halloween weekend. According to a news release, the Ottawa Police Service says its east district traffic team conducted the operation on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, focusing on impaired driving, speeding and dangerous driving behaviours to keep trick-or-treaters safe. “Ghosts and goblins weren’t the only things roaming Ottawa’s roads this Halloween weekend,” Ottawa police say. Police conducted 89 mandatory alcohol screening tests during the operation, resulting in one warn-range licence suspension and two novice drivers facing alcohol-related charges. Among the incidents, a G2 driver was charged with impaired operation for violating novice driving restrictions after registering a blood alcohol concentration nearly 1.5 times higher than the legal limit. The driver received a 90-day driving suspension, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. A 19-year-old novice driver received a seven-day licence suspension for having a blood alcohol concentration above zero. Officers also charged two drivers for stunt driving offences, including one who was caught on Blackburn Hamlet Bypass travelling at 157 km/h. A novice driver was also charged for stunt driving on Walkey Road after travelling 93 km/h in the 50 km/h zone. They also face charges for failing to stop for police and for driving without a licence. Both stunt drivers received 30-day licence suspensions and a impounded 14-day vehicle impound. Ottawa police are reminding drivers that impaired driving and dangerous driving is preventable as the festive season approaches. “Under Canada’s mandatory alcohol screening laws, police officers may demand a roadside breath sample from a lawfully stopped driver without first suspecting alcohol consumption, provided they have an approved screening device available. Refusing or failing to comply with a lawful demand can result in criminal charges,” police say.
