Without question impaired driving continues to be a high priority for Huron County OPP and community groups such as Mother’s Against Drunk Driving and Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving.
While many detachments in the West Region saw a decrease in the number of Impaired Driving charges in 2020, Huron County OPP has reported a 35% increase in the number of charges compared to 2019.
They charged 88 drivers in 2020 with impaired driving offences (Impaired operation, Impaired operation with blood alcohol 80 plus and refusal to provide sample) versus 65 charges in 2019.
Huron County saw the largest year over year increase in the West Region. In comparison to Huron County’s 88 charges, Lambton County saw 116, Perth County 53 and South Bruce 55.
Nearly a third of all impaired driving charges had some type of crash involvement. Alcohol was also a contributing factor in two fatal collisions.
The police rely on the public to report crime and impaired driving is a crime that should be treated no differently. Nearly half of the cases originated from a call to police from the public.
A total of 17% of drivers, 15 in total were charged with impaired operation by a drug.
46% percent of drivers charged with blood alcohol concentrations more than double the legal limit.
The highest readings registered last year was 351 mg over 4 times the legal limit.
Five drivers refused to provide breath samples.
The vast majority of charged drivers in 2020 were males and tended to be younger with 80% of charged drivers male and 48% under the age of 30.
43% of impaired drivers were stopped in towns or villages. 57% in rural areas.
A third of all impaired drivers were stopped between midnight and 6am. The busiest month was May with 14 charges.
