One impaired driving charge after blitz in Chatham-Kent

A series of impaired driving incidents in northern Ontario last weekend kept Ontario Provincial Police busy. A glass of whiskey with ice, car keys and police handcuffs. (File photo/AlexRaths/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

The Chatham-Kent Police Service made one impaired driving arrest in a week-long Impaired Driving Safety Blitz from March 22 to March 31.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness and reduce impaired driving incidents through heightened enforcement, education, and community outreach.

Over the course of this period, 4,737 drivers were educated by Chatham-Kent police officers on the dangers of impaired driving. Officers made 1 arrest for impaired driving during the week, while 13 additional motorists were issued three-day license.

One driver received a seven-day license suspension, and 47 motorists provided roadside breath samples using an Approved Screening Device. One suspended driver was identified at a RIDE checkpoint, and another individual with multiple outstanding warrants was arrested. In addition, provincial offense notices were issues to several drivers over the course of the week.

Chatham-Kent Police Service urges all residents to plan ahead. If you intend to consume substances, designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service or make alternative transportation arrangements.