Thunder Bay – NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to three separate impaired driving collisions within just four hours on the morning of Wednesday, August 27 — highlighting a deeply concerning trend on city roads.
1. Valley Street Crash Downs Power Lines
Around 4:00 a.m., officers were called to the 400 block of Valley Street where a vehicle collided with several parked cars before crashing into a utility pole. The impact knocked down live power lines, temporarily posing a serious public hazard.
The 23-year-old female driver was assessed at hospital and then taken into custody. She now faces charges including:
-
Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
-
Operating with Blood Alcohol Over 80 mg%
-
Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle
2. Frederica Street Collision Involves Home Impact
Minutes later, officers responded to the 200 block of Frederica Street West, where another vehicle struck multiple parked vehicles and then a house.
The 21-year-old female driver was hospitalized and later refused to provide a blood sample, resulting in additional charges. She faces:
-
Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
-
Dangerous Driving
-
Refusal to Comply with Demand
3. Morning Commute Disrupted on Oliver Road
By 8:00 a.m., police were on the scene of a two-vehicle collision at Oliver Road and Golf Links Road. Signs of impairment led to the arrest of a 27-year-old female driver. A Drug Recognition Expert later confirmed her impairment was due to multiple substances. She has been charged with:
-
Impaired Operation of a Vehicle
No Serious Injuries — But High Costs for All
Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported in any of the three incidents. However, police are sounding the alarm about the risks and consequences of impaired driving, especially when multiple incidents occur in such close proximity.
All three drivers are facing an automatic 90-day licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment. But the consequences go far deeper:
The True Cost of an Impaired Driving Conviction:
-
Legal Fees: $5,000–$10,000+
-
Insurance Increases: Premiums can double or triple for 6+ years
-
Fines and Surcharges: Minimum $1,000 fine upon conviction
-
Ignition Interlock Installation: Required for reinstated licences
-
Criminal Record: Long-term employment and travel consequences
-
Potential Jail Time and Probation
For drivers in Thunder Bay, these incidents serve as a stark reminder: choosing to drive impaired doesn’t just risk lives — it comes with financial ruin, legal entanglements, and long-lasting consequences.
