Driver charged after failing roadside sobriety test on Hwy. 557

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is shown in a winter setting in this undated image. (File photo/CTV News)

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a 22-year-old man with impaired driving following a vehicle stop on Highway 557 in the early hours of Sunday morning.

OPP say the incident occurred north of Blind River at about 3 a.m. on Dec 28.

Police said officers stopped a small white sport utility vehicle to conduct a sobriety check on the driver.

Driver failed screening test

“After failing a roadside screening test, the driver was arrested and the SUV was consequently towed and impounded,” OPP said.

Charges and additional penalties

As a result, the accused, a motorist from Mississauga First Nation, was charged with two impaired driving offences – including driving with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

In addition to the charge, under provincial law, the man also received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and the SUV involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Elliot Lake on Feb. 5.

OPP reminder

Police used the incident to reiterate a standard warning to all area motorists.

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

In the release, OPP also urged public vigilance, asking citizens to report any potential impaired drivers or suspicious driving behaviour.

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