THUNDER BAY — A concerning rise in impaired driving has prompted increased vigilance from the Thunder Bay Police Service, after officers laid 10 impaired-related charges over just nine days.
Between April 11 and April 19, eight drivers were charged with impaired operation — six involving alcohol and two involving drugs — while two others received warn-range suspensions.
The most recent case occurred on April 19 at 11:24 a.m., when members of the Traffic Unit stopped an SUV on the Harbour Expressway for driving without insurance. Officers observed open alcohol in the vehicle and further investigation uncovered drug paraphernalia.
The female driver failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for drug-impaired operation following a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation.
She now faces multiple charges, including impaired operation by drug, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and having open liquor in the vehicle. Her licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for a week.
A Pattern of Concern
Police noted that the incidents occurred across various areas of the city and involved a mix of alcohol and drug impairment.
Two drivers fell within the “warn range,” meaning their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measured between 50 and 100 milligrams — a range that still poses serious road safety risks.
Stepped-Up Enforcement Efforts
Thunder Bay Police say they are stepping up proactive patrols and impaired driving enforcement efforts, especially with warmer weather and the long weekend season approaching — times traditionally associated with a spike in impaired driving incidents.
Community Call to Action
Local authorities are urging residents to take responsibility and use safe transportation alternatives. Community members are also encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911, a move that could prevent tragedy.
