ONTARIO—As the result of a 31 percent increase in impaired driving enforcement throughout the province in 2023, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be enhancing its impaired driving enforcement efforts.
The OPP notes a total of 385 people were killed in impaired driving-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads between 2018 and the end of 2023.
The OPP release explains, “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.”
“Increases in impaired driving occurrences are prompting the OPP to enhance its impaired driving enforcement efforts, with the aim of saving more lives on our roads,” the release continues. “Tragically, 385 people lost their lives in impaired driving-related collisions on OPP-patrolled roads between 2018 and the end of 2023. During the same period, impaired driving-related collisions have steadily climbed, with 2023 marking a 31 percent increase when compared to the numbers during the previous five years. Impaired driving charges are also up 33 percent over the same six-year period.”
“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.”
“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 says.
“The OPP also reminds motorists that officers conduct Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) initiatives throughout the year. Drivers should also be prepared to provide a breath sample in these situations,” the OPP release says. “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.”
