OPP concerned over increase of impaired drivers in Prince Edward County
TOPICS:Prince Edward OPP Police Reportsweek-50-2022
HITCHING A R.I.D.E - Prince Edward OPP are reporting the number of alleged impaired drivers found on local roadways in 2022 is nearly double the annual average. (Adam Bramburger/Gazette File photo)
Prince Edward OPP continue to be concerned over the drastic increase of alleged impaired drivers on local roadways in 2022 and are reminding the public no amount of impairment is safe while driving.
On Friday around 9:00 p.m. a vehicle was stopped for failing to stop at a stop sign.
A 32 year old from Prince Edward County was charged for driving while under suspension. An approved screening device was also administered resulting in a warn range.
PC and Community Services Officer Aaron Miller. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)
Later in the night around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 10, officers were conducting a RIDE program on Highway 62 when a vehicle entered the program. An approved screening device was administered and the driver was arrested and taken to detachment for further testing. Jonathan Lister-Stevens, 23 from Prince Edward County was charged with the following offences: Operation while impaired – CC 320.14(1)(a); Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration – CC 320.14(1)(b)
The driver was released on an undertaking and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Jan. 11, 2023. They also had their drivers licence suspended for 90 days and vehicle impounded for a period of seven days.
At that same RIDE program, a vehicle came through shortly after 1:30 a.m. Officers spoke to the driver and an approved screening device was administered. As a result, the driver was taken to detachment for further testing. Sean Archer, 46 from Ameliasburgh was charged with the following offences: Operation while impaired – CC 320.14(1)(a); Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration – CC 320.14(1)(b)
To date in 2022, 68 allegedly impaired drivers have been removed from the roadways in Prince Edward County.
The seven year average per annum is 39.
"This is an issue of concern for Prince Edward County as impaired driving affects everyone," Community Services Officer Constable Aaron Miller told the Gazette. "We are reminding everyone that no level of impairment is safe when driving whether by drug or alcohol. There will be an increased number of RIDE programs over the festive season so plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home."