June is Impaired Driving Awareness Month
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service recognizes June as Impaired Driving Awareness Month.
“Impaired driving is a danger to everyone on the road,” says Joe Poderys, Sergeant of Traffic Services. “We want to remind people that driving under the influence is never worth the risk – the consequences could follow you for life, and that’s if you’re lucky.”
Sergeant Poderys also notes that Sault Police have officers who are Standard Field Sobriety Testing certified, Breathalyzer technicians, and Drug Recognition Evaluators, on staff, all of whom receive specialized training to enforce impaired driving laws and keep people on our roadways safe.
In Ontario, one in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving and the percentage of drivers killed while under the influence of cannabis more than doubled between 2012 and 2020.
Impaired driving means operating a vehicle while your ability to do so has been compromised to any degree by consuming:
- Alcohol
- Drugs including:
- Cannabis
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Prescription medication
- Illegal substances
- A combination of the above
In addition to driving cars and trucks, impaired driving laws also apply to those operating boats, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles.
If police determine you are impaired by any substance, you can face severe consequences and potential criminal charges.
If police determine you are driving while impaired, you can face:
- Immediate licence suspensions
- Fines and reinstatement fees
- Enrolment into education or treatment programs
- Vehicle impoundment
- Harsher penalties upon conviction
- Increased insurance premiums
Penalties can vary depending on your age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system, and how many times you have been convicted or had your licence suspended.
Safety Tips to Avoid Impaired Driving:
- Plan ahead; have a sober ride home, whether that be from a designated driver, friend, family member, public transit, or taxi
- If you’re hosting a gathering, offer non-alcoholic beverages and monitor your guests
- Avoid driving if you are taking medications that can impair your ability to drive.
- Report suspected impaired drivers to the police immediately by calling 911.
Sault Police urge you to keep our roadways safe – do not drive if you are consuming alcohol or drugs.
