Long weekend traffic stop leads to impaired driving charges in northern Ont.

Some not getting the message on impaired driving Since the start of the Festive RIDE campaign in mid-November provincial police in our region have charged 87 people with impaired driving.

A local man is facing impaired driving-related charges following a traffic stop on Ottawa Street in West Nipissing early Saturday morning.

On June 29 just before 2 a.m., members of the Nipissing West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment were conducting a RIDE (reduce impaired driving everywhere) program on the roadway, police said in a news release.

“A motor vehicle approached the officers conducting the program, as a result of the investigation the driver was arrested for impaired driving,” said police.

June 29 OPP Ride Check West Nipissing An Ontario Provincial Police RIDE check set up Ottawa Street in West Nipissing, Ont., on June 29, 2024. (Ontario Provincial Police/X)

The 28-year-old local man was charged with operation while impaired and operation while impaired blood alcohol concentration over 80.

The vehicle involved was impounded for seven days by police and the accused also received a 90-day administrative driver's licence suspension.

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 1.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.

“Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving,” said police.

“The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. Arrive alive, drive sober.”

#NorthBayOPP initiated a tandem traffic stop and safely apprehended a driver who had taken a motor vehicle without consent on June 29, 2024 shortly before 2:00 a.m. A 31 y/o of London, faces several charges. #LongWeekend, #RoadSafety, #DriveSober. ^rt pic.twitter.com/AhnBxahAx1

— OPP North East Region (@OPP_NER) July 3, 2024