Traffic complaint leads to impaired driving charges for northern Ont. motorist

Efforts to reduce impaired driving in the northeast seem to be working in some communities – provincial police say stats are still high.

Provincial police have charged a 24-year-old man after a report that a possibly impaired driver left a bar last weekend.

Members of the Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment responded to the complaint at approximately 3 a.m. on Feb. 22.

OPP said that officers located the vehicle on Highway 6 in Birch Island First Nation.

“Police administered an approved screening device test with the driver, which resulted in a ‘fail,’” OPP said in a news release.

“The driver was (then) arrested.”

OPP - IMPAIRED DRIVING - ASD FAIL An Ontario Provincial Police image illustrating impaired driving charges. A pair of handcuffs and an approved screening device or ASD showing a result of 'FAIL' are shown in this undated photo. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)

As a result, the driver from Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township faces two impaired driving charges – including having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80.

In addition to the charges, per provincial regulations, the accused also had their licence suspended for 90 days and the vehicle involved was impounded by police for seven days at the owner’s expense.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court in Gore Bay on April 1.

Report impaired drivers Ontario Provincial Police are urging the public to report suspected impaired drivers. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

OPP reminded the public to “make the call,” and dial 911 if they see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails.

“Your phone call could save someone’s life,” said police.