So far this May and June, Timmins Police have laid criminal charges related to impaired driving in seven incidents.
That’s about average for the period. There is, however, a common factor among all seven that communications coordinator Marc Depatie calls “disturbing”.
“Overwhelmingly,” he remarks, “these incidents involve a collision where persons are hurt or very close to that happening.”
The most serious was a vehicle hitting a motorcycle, seriously injuring the biker, then fleeing.
“Our officers have responded to vehicles in the ditch and met up with a combative impaired driver, which leads to additional charges.”
Depatie notes that the same thing seems to be happening across Ontario.
“Perhaps it’s COVID related, where there’s a little bit of cabin fever so persons are indulging in the consumption of alcohol or other substances and then choosing to drive, leaving common sense at home.”
Aside from potential charges, fines and tragic outcomes, Depatie says every driver has a moral and ethical obligation not to be impaired.
