Two separate OPP traffic stops this week led to the arrests of multiple drivers who were determined to be driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The province began cracking down more heavily on dangerous driving last November after new legislature was introduced as a response to the “Andrew’s Law” petition following the death of Andrew Cristillo, a father of three struck and killed in a stunt driving incident. In addition to more frequent highway patrols, legislature changes saw higher monetary and suspension penalties for drivers risking the safety of others.
The first of the two stops made in the district was conducted Monday on Highway 11-71 by members of the Fort Frances OPP detachment. The driver was a 23-year-old of Fort Frances.
The second was made on Tuesday by members of the Rainy River OPP detachment after the driver was caught travelling 27 km/h over the posted limit. Officers determined the driver, a 61-year-old male of Fort Frances to be impaired.
Both of the accused have been charged with operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs, as well as operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
Both of the accused have been released from police custody and are scheduled to appear before court at a later date.
The OPP said in a press release that they remain committed to taking impaired drivers off of the roadways and rely on tips from the public to better detect drivers posing a risk to others. Reporting a vehicle of a suspected impaired driver can be done by any member of the public by dialing 911.
