The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will enhance its impaired driving enforcement efforts after noting a 31 per cent increase in impaired driving-related collisions in 2023.
A total of 385 people were killed in impaired driving-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads between 2018 and the end of 2023, states a news release issued by OPP.
The increases are a clear sign that many drivers are not doing their part to keep fellow road users safe. Motorists are reminded to be prepared to provide a breath sample during a traffic stop.
Under Canada's Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) law, drivers must comply with a police officer's demand for a breath sample, even in the absence of any suspicion that they have consumed alcohol.
MAS remains an effective measure for enhancing the police's ability to detect and investigate impaired drivers and remove them from our roads.
The OPP also reminds motorists that officers conduct RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiatives throughout the year. Drivers should also be prepared to provide a breath sample in these situations.
If you suspect that a driver is impaired, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. By doing so, you could be saving a life.
