Neighbourhood Watch Bulletin for 2022-03-31

One topic item : increase in impaired related charges in March

If you’re interested in helping out, see our Neighbourhood Watch Page.

To make a police report :

  • Contact Cst. Darren Joseph directly (west of O-Train, Line 2) at josephd@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5871.
  • Contact Cst. Stephanie Lemieux directly (east of O-Train, Line 2) at lemieuxs@ottawapolice.ca or 613-236-1222, ext. 5290.

*********************

25% increase in impaired related charges in March

Impaired driving is not only criminal; it is dangerous to all of us!

Since January 2022, the Ottawa Police Service is seeing worrisome increase in impaired driving.  A total of 146 impairment-related charges have been laid between January 1st to March 30th, 2022. In March alone, there were 54 charges laid, as opposed to 43 in March 2021.  Nearly half of the drivers charged with impaired driving were involved in a collision. 

These numbers are worrisome for road safety for motorists and vulnerable road-users as we move into cycling season and the return of the eScooters downtown. On average, every 1.3 days, a collision happens as a result of an impaired driver. “Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair the ability to operate a conveyance” says Sgt Troy Froats.

Of double concern to police is an increase of inexperienced drivers being investigated for impaired driving.  Drivers with a graduated licence are not permitted to have ANY alcohol in their system. Those who do are subject to fines and 3, 7 or 30 day driving suspensions for having a blood alcohol concentration above 0.  If you are going to a party, make it a habit to plan a sober ride home.