Impaired Driving Convictions Carry Severe Legal, Financial, and Personal Consequences

THUNDER BAY – NEWS — A Thunder Bay man is facing a series of impaired driving-related charges after crashing into two parked vehicles, fleeing the scene, and later being found unconscious inside his running pickup truck on Arthur Street.

On the morning of Monday, August 25, 2025, Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were called to the 500 block of Kingsway at approximately 7:00 a.m. following reports of a collision. Witnesses told police that a pickup truck had struck two parked vehicles before driving away.

A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle in a parking lot on the 600 block of Arthur Street West. The driver was found slumped over and unresponsive in the running vehicle. Officers woke him and observed clear signs of impairment. They also discovered paraphernalia consistent with drug use inside the truck.

The 47-year-old man was arrested and taken to the police station for further assessment. While in custody, he refused to provide a blood sample as required by law.

Charges Laid

The accused now faces the following charges:

• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Failure to Stop After Accident x2

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited

• Refusal to Comply with Demand

He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

The Real Consequences of Impaired Driving

Police are again reminding the public that impaired driving—whether by alcohol, drugs, or both—carries not only immediate risks to public safety but also long-term consequences that can alter a person’s life.

Here are some of the major impacts of an impaired driving conviction in Ontario:

1. Legal Penalties

• Minimum $1,000 fine for a first conviction (alcohol-related).

• Mandatory driving bans (one year minimum for first offence, up to lifetime bans for repeat offences).

• Possible jail sentences (30 days minimum for a second offence; 120 days minimum for third offence).

2. Criminal Record

• Impaired driving is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.

• A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which may affect employment opportunities, travel, and volunteer work.

3. Licence Suspension and Ignition Interlock

• Immediate roadside licence suspensions upon arrest.

• Mandatory participation in Ontario’s Ignition Interlock Program for repeat or high-level offenders.

4. Insurance Consequences

• Drivers are deemed “high-risk” by insurance providers.

• Premiums can skyrocket, often costing thousands more per year, or coverage may be denied altogether.

5. Employment Impact

• Loss of jobs requiring a clean driving record or professional driver’s licence.

• Impaired driving records may prevent entry into certain professions (law enforcement, healthcare, education, etc.).

6. Travel Restrictions

• A criminal record can prevent entry into countries like the United States.

• International travel may require costly legal waivers.

7. Personal and Family Consequences

• Financial stress due to fines, legal fees, and insurance hikes.

• Emotional toll on families and communities.

• Increased risk of accidents leading to serious injury or death.

Police Reminder

Thunder Bay Police Service continues to emphasize that impaired driving is preventable. With ride-share services, taxis, designated drivers, and public transit available, choosing to drive impaired is both reckless and unnecessary.