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Police in Quinte West are continuing to call on motorists to make better choices behind the wheel after weekend RIDE efforts led to three separate impaired driving arrests.
In the one instance, on July 5, at about 7:30 p.m., Quinte West OPP said officers were conducting a RIDE program on Loyalist Parkway when a suspended driver ended up being arrested for allegedly driving while impaired.
As a result of the investigation, police said a 34-year-old Quinte West resident was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus,) driving while under suspension, and novice driver – B.A.C. above zero.
Meanwhile, at the same RIDE check, shortly after 8 p.m., police said a 31-year-old Toronto resident was arrested after officers issued a roadside sobriety test (approved screening device.)
The accused was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
In another RIDE program on Loyalist Parkway, on July 6, at about 8 p.m., police said a 35-year-old from Prince Edward County ended up being arrested and subsequently charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus.)
None of these charges have been proven in court.
Police said all of the accused were released from custody and will appear in Belleville court at a later date. Their vehicles were also impounded for seven days, and licences suspended for 90 days.
So far this year, Quinte West OPP said police have charged a total of 82 individuals with impaired driving.
The financial cost of impaired driving in Ontario can range from $20,000 to $40,000 over a three or four-year period for a first-time conviction, police added.
This includes immediate penalties like fines and vehicle impoundment, as well as long-term expenses such as increased insurance premiums and the cost of mandatory programs like ignition interlock, explained OPP.
Police also continue to ask citizens to report suspected impaired driving by calling 911.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
