THUNDER BAY, ON – On September 16, 2024, at approximately 11:22 p.m., officers from the Shabaqua and Thunder Bay Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop along Dawson Road within the City of Thunder Bay. Following an investigation, it was determined that the driver had consumed alcohol. Colin Robertson, 47, of Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with:
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
Robertson was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on November 27, 2024.
In a second incident, on September 18, 2024, at 3:17 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the OPP conducted a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program along the Balsam Street off-ramp. During the checkpoint, officers arrested Corey Spence, 38, of Thunder Bay, after determining that he had consumed alcohol. Spence was charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
Spence was released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on October 23, 2024.
Penalties for Impaired Driving in Ontario
Impaired driving is a serious criminal offence in Ontario. Upon conviction, penalties include:
- First Offence: A minimum fine of $1,000 and a 1-year license suspension.
- Second Offence: At least 30 days in jail and a 2-year license suspension.
- Third Offence: At least 120 days in jail and a 3-year license suspension.
In addition, convicted drivers must attend education or treatment programs, and may need to install an Ignition Interlock Device as a condition of reinstating their license.
Impact on Insurance Rates
A conviction for impaired driving can drastically impact your insurance. After a conviction, drivers are categorized as high-risk, resulting in:
- Premium Increases: Insurance rates can rise by 100% or more.
- Possible Cancellation: Some insurers may refuse to renew policies, forcing drivers to seek more expensive coverage through high-risk providers.
- Long-term Effects: The conviction will remain on a driver’s record for at least 3 years, leading to higher premiums for several years.
An impaired driving conviction can also impact your employment, if you need a vehicle for work and can’t drive that could result in job loss. It can also impact your employment possiblities as it is a criminal conviction.
Tips from MADD Canada to Prevent Impaired Driving
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) provides the following tips to prevent impaired driving:
- Plan Ahead: If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, or use public transportation or ride-sharing services.
- Host Safely: If hosting a gathering, offer non-alcoholic drink options and ensure your guests have a safe way to get home.
- Call 911: If you see someone who may be driving impaired, report it to the authorities. Immediate action could save lives.
- Stay Over: If you’re unable to find a safe way home, consider staying overnight at a friend’s place or finding nearby accommodations.
By making responsible choices, we can all contribute to reducing impaired driving incidents in our communities.
Report Impaired Drivers
The OPP remains committed to keeping Ontario’s roads safe. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911. For complaints about impaired, aggressive, or careless driving, call 1-888-310-1122.
