A North Bay driver has been charged with impaired after a traffic stop led officers to a damaged street sign nearby. The North Bay Police Service said officers conducted a traffic stop involving a vehicle with damage to its front bumper at about 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 6. Officers said they observed signs consistent with impairment from the driver, who registered a ‘fail’ on an approved screening device. As a result, the driver was arrested for impaired operation. Damaged street sign located Nearby, a damaged street sign was located, with damage that appeared to be consistent with the vehicle damage. “This is a sobering reminder that impaired drivers share the road with children,” said police in a social media post. Charges and penalties The motorist was subsequently charged with two impaired driving offences – including operation with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. In addition to the charges, the driver received a 90-day licence suspension and the involved vehicle was impounded for seven days. According to North Bay police, court-imposed penalties upon conviction include a minimum one-year driving prohibition, a minimum $1,000 fine, potential imprisonment and attending an education program and mandatory use of an interlock device for one year. Prevention message North Bay police used the incident to remind the community of the dangers of impaired driving. “This had the potential to be much worse,” police said. “We are asking drivers to be responsible by planning ahead to use a designated driver, rideshare service or public transit, and to step in if someone is considering getting behind the wheel while impaired,” said Insp. Vince Corrente. “One decision can save a life.”
