Impaired driving in Muskoka nearly doubled this spring: OPP

A pair of handcuffs and a police breathalyzer indicating a fail result are shown in this undated police image. (File photo/Supplied)

Bracebridge OPP are reporting that they charged three more allegedly impaired drivers to close out May, bringing their month’s total to almost double their amount of May 2024.

The first incident, according to the detachment, was on Friday at around 9 p.m., when officers responded to a disturbance call on Ann Street in Bracebridge.

Police say their investigation led to the arrest of a 43-year-old Bracebridge man. He was charged with impaired operation, impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres (over 80), and operation while prohibited.

Bracebridge OPP report that the second incident happened nearly two hours later at around 10:40 p.m., when officers received a call about concerning driving on Highway 11 north in Gravenhurst.

Police say the officers located and stopped the suspect vehicle near Cedar Lane in Bracebridge. The driver, a 66-year-old Huntsville woman, was charged with impaired operation and over 80.

The busy overnight continued, as Bracebridge OPP say the third incident happened Saturday at around 12:20 a.m. in the Port Carling area of Muskoka Lakes Township.

Police say a patrolling officer on Muskoka Road 118 stopped a vehicle that was driving in a concerning manner. The driver, a 43-year-old Oakville man, was charged with impaired operation and over 80.

All three accused drivers are scheduled for court dates in Bracebridge this summer to answer to their charges.

According to Bracebridge OPP, their officers charged a total of 20 allegedly impaired drivers in May.

“Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads,” repeated a Bracebridge OPP media officer in a news release. “If you are concerned that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 911 to notify police.”