Impaired driving has increased drastically in Essex County. According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), there has been a 37 percent increase in impaired driving since the beginning of the year versus 2015 statistics covering the same timeframe.
An OPP representative says this high rate is unacceptable. In the past two weeks, there have been at least four impaired driving incidents that resulted in drivers being charged.
To discourage impaired driving among the county’s drivers, OPP is reminding drivers of the charges they may face if caught driving under the influence, which include:
- Driver’s license suspension for 90 days
- Court and legal fees
- Vehicle impoundment
- Jail time and a criminal record
- Insurance rate increases
- Required installation of an ignition interlock device for your vehicle
In Ontario, it is a criminal offense to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08. Drivers who register a BAC in the warn range between 0.05 and 0.08 can also face provincial administrative penalties.
Consuming drugs or alcohol before driving can lower one’s ability to react safely in a multitude of driving scenarios. Motorists should take the following steps to avoid driving under the impairment of drugs or alcohol:
- Make arrangements for a safe ride home if you will be consuming alcohol
- Before driving under the influence of a new medication, talk to your pharmacist about potential prescription side effects
- Discuss potential interactions and side effects of all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor or pharmacist, including how consuming alcohol while on these medications could affect you.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The car accident lawyers of Greg Monforton & Partners will aid you in your fight for justice.
Call (866) 320-4770 of complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.