OPP report multiple long weekend impaired driving incidents in cottage country

Officers from City of Kawartha Lakes OPP conduct a RIDE program. (Source: OPP Central Region/Facebook)

Provincial police confirm that they responded to multiple impaired driving incidents in cottage country this Victoria Day long weekend.

Driver stopped by RIDE program

According to Bracebridge OPP, officers from the Central Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) team were conducting a RIDE program Friday evening on Kanien’kehá:ka Iohatátie (formerly Muskoka Road 38) near Muskoka Road 169 in Muskoka Lakes Township.

Police say a driver that proceeded through the RIDE program prompted an investigation into the presence of alcohol.

The 34-year-old driver from Gravenhurst was arrested and charged with impaired operation – blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres (over 80).

Loud, unsafe vehicle sparks response

Then, early Saturday morning just after midnight, Bracebridge OPP say that they received calls for a loud vehicle driving in an unsafe manner.

According to the detachment, the vehicle was travelling on Santa’s Village Road near Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge and side streets in the same area.

Police say officers located the vehicle nearby before arresting and charging the young Bracebridge driver with several offences.

The 18-year-old’s charges included impaired operation, over 80, dangerous operation, mischief and operating as a novice driver with a blood alcohol level exceeding zero.

Driver crashes into parking gate

Also on Saturday, at around 2:30 p.m., City of Kawartha Lakes OPP say officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a parking gate at a local resort.

The vehicle allegedly left the scene shortly after the incident but was then reported by a special constable from the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).

Police say the vehicle was eventually found just outside Bobcaygeon on Old Surrey Lane.

The driver, a 59-year-old from Oshawa, was charged with operating while impaired (by alcohol and drugs) and over 80.

The driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.

All three accused drivers are scheduled for future court appearances.

“Impaired driving continues to be a significant factor impacting the safety of Muskoka roads,” stated a media officer from Bracebridge OPP in a news release.

OPP remind the public to call 911 if they suspect impaired driving.

Additionally, with sunny conditions expected on Victoria Day Monday, OPP remind boaters to double check their vessels for safety equipment, and to leave alcohol and drugs behind.