MORE THAN 185 IMPAIRED DRIVING-RELATED CHARGES LAID IN 30 DAYS IN YORK REGION

An alarming number of impaired driving-related charges have been laid by officers across York Region over a 30-day period from April 15, 2016, to May 15, 2016.

In just 30 days, officers arrested 139 people and charged them with 185 offences that are all a result of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Of the 139 arrests, 16 came as a result of motor vehicle collisions.  R.I.D.E. spot checks and general patrol accounted for 107 of the arrests. Concerned citizens calling, 9-1-1 to report possible impaired drivers resulted in 16 arrests.

Of the 139 people that were arrested, 130 were charged as a result of impairment from alcohol and nine were charged with impairment from drugs.

Officers also issued 81 three-day driver’s license suspensions.

Impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death in Canada. When you drink or use drugs and drive you not only risk your life and those of your passengers, but the lives of every other driver and pedestrian on the road.

The York Regional Police R.I.D.E. program is a year-long initiative. York Regional Police urges all drivers to take proactive measures if drinking by arranging for overnight accommodations, appointing a designated driver, taking a cab or using public transit.

We continue to urge citizens to report impaired drivers. We consider these calls a potentially life-threatening crime in progress and we respond to these calls promptly. The message is clear:  DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OR USE DRUGS AND DRIVE.

A video of Constable Laura Nicolle speaking about this incident is available for viewing at the following link: https://youtu.be/PFsBf_8ap-k

For more information contact York Regional Police Corporate Communications, at 866-876-5423, ext. 2664.