Impaired drivers charged in 2-vehicle crash and failed checkstop in Caledon, police say

It was a busy start to the week for police in Caledon with charges laid against a pair of motorists following multiple impaired driving incidents.

The first call happened shortly before 9 a.m. on Monday when the OPP says officers from Caledon responded to a two-vehicle crash on Valley Grove Court.

No injuries were reported in the collision but police say an investigation revealed the driver was impaired by alcohol.

The OPP says a 44-year-old man from Kitchener was charged with one count of operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration. The accused had their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle has also been impounded for a week.

Police say the accused is scheduled to make a court appearance in Orangeville on July 25.

Then around 7:30 p.m., police say officers had set up a R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checkstop on McLaughlin Road near Tim Manley Avenue when a driver from Brampton came through.

While speaking with the driver police say they discovered the 25-year-old man from Brampton was impaired by alcohol.

Police say the driver was also driving with a suspended licence.

The 25-year-old from Brampton was arrested and charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) and drive while under suspension.

The accused was held for a bail hearing, police said.

Police in Ontario have begun conducting mandatory breathalyzer alcohol screening during every traffic stop on local GTA highways, including the QEW and Highways 403 and 401.

The province is also looking to increase penalties for impaired driving, including increasing first-offence roadside licence suspensions from three days to and seven days, and move second-time suspensions from seven days to 14 days.

Impaired driving offences in Ontario can lead to immediate licence suspensions, fines, vehicle impoundment, and enrollment in education or treatment programs.

Police say anyone who suspects a driver of operating while impaired by drugs or alcohol is encouraged to call 911 and report it when safe to do so. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.