North Bay driver charged with impaired after Hwy. 17 crash

An undated photo of an Ontario Provincial Police conducting a traffic stop. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A tip from an off-duty Ontario Provincial Police officer about a suspected impaired driver preceded a rear-end collision on Highway 17 in Bonfield Township last month, leading to criminal charges.

An off-duty officer reported a vehicle “swerving and nearly entering the ditch while travelling eastbound on Highway 17 toward Mattawa” at about 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 30.

Police said that approximately 15 minutes later, the same vehicle rear-ended another in Bonfield Township.

Investigation, charges, penalties

“Officers arrived at the scene and determined the driver had consumed an intoxicating substance,” said OPP in a news release.

The driver, a 56-year-old North Bay man, was taken into custody and transported to the local OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, the motorist was charged with impaired driving and following too closely.

In addition to the charges, the driver also received a 90-day licence suspension and the vehicle involved was impounded for seven days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in North Bay on Dec. 16.

Report unsafe drivers

Police, in the news release, underscored the importance of public reporting in preventing incidents like this.

“If you see dangerous driving, speak up,” said OPP.

“Reporting suspected impaired drivers can prevent collisions and save lives.”