Ontario Provincial Police laid multiple impaired driving charges over the weekend through proactive enforcement efforts on Thunder Bay area roadways, with four local residents facing allegations related to alcohol consumption while behind the wheel. Friday night stops The first incident occurred at about 11 p.m. on Aug. 7, when officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11-17 between Oliver Road and the Harbour Expressway. “It was suspected the driver was impaired,” OPP said in a news release. Through investigation, a 37-year-old from Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with two impaired driving offences – including operation with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 16. The second incident occurred about 30 minutes later, at approximately 11:30 p.m. “Officers conducting a RIDE program on Highway 11-17 near Balsam Street formed reasonable suspicion that a driver passing through was intoxicated,” said OPP. Police said an approved alcohol screening device was utilized and as a result, a 28-year-old also from Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with driving with liquor readily available along with two impaired driving offences – including operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of more than 80. This accused is also scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 16. Sunday and Monday incidents On Aug. 9, shortly after 3 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on Hill Road near Kaministiquia. “After speaking with the driver, officers formed reasonable suspicion the individual was intoxicated,” OPP said. Again, police said an approved alcohol screening device was utilized and as a result, a 31-year-old local woman was charged with following too close, driving a vehicle with a seatbelt assembly removed and two impaired driving offences – including operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of more than 80. She is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23. The final stop occurred on Aug. 10, shortly before 1 a.m., when OPP said officers conducting a RIDE program on Highway 11-17 near Balsam Street again formed reasonable suspicion that a driver was intoxicated. Police said they used an approved alcohol screening device and as a result, a 36-year-old from Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with driving with liquor readily available along with two impaired driving offences – including operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of more than 80. This accused is also scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23. Additional penalties, charges “In addition to the charges these four individuals are facing, a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was also initiated as per statute,” said OPP. “Officers also issued numerous provincial offence notices for seat belt compliance.” OPP advised seat belts are designed to keep vehicle occupants securely positioned during a collision, significantly reducing “the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle or sustaining fatal injuries.” Public reminder Provincial police also used the incidents to remind all drivers of the dangers of impaired driving. “OPP reminds motorists that alcohol, drugs, and speed are a deadly combination,” police said. OPP advised that if one plans on consuming alcohol or drugs, they should arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi or rideshare, use public transit or stay overnight. “Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and reaction time, and poor decisions made in a split second can have tragic consequences,” said police. OPP urges anyone if they suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs to call 911 immediately. “Thank you to all drivers and passengers who made safety a top priority this weekend by buckling up and choosing to not drink and drive,” concluded OPP.
