In a news release issued today, the Sault Ste. Marie Police service stated that in 2020 it saw a drastic increase in the number of drivers charged with impaired driving by drug – 42 were charged in 2020, up from four in 2019.
"This, in large part, is due to an increase in the number of officers who are qualified to perform drug recognition evaluations," the release said.
Sault Police also reported a slight increase in the number impaired-related criminal charges – 116 in 2020, up from 104 in 2019.
However, the number of drivers charged with impaired driving – blood alcohol concentration (80+) dropped in 2020.
Full text of the Sault Police news release follows:
The annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) Campaign launched Dec. 1, 2020 and ran through Jan. 1, 2021. The annual initiative involves joint enforcement with our policing partners and we thank them for their support during the campaign. Our partners play a vital role in helping our members conduct spot checks during the holiday season.
During the 2020 campaign 1,842 vehicles were stopped and checked. Those spot checks resulted in:
• 29 roadside tests conducted
• One three-day licence suspension
• 14 impaired driving related criminal charges laid
The Festive RIDE program is an annual initiative that operates during the holidays, however RIDE is conducted year round.
Throughout 2020, including Jan. 1, 2021, officers issued 116 impaired-related criminal charges. That number is up from the same time frame in 2019 where 104 impaired charges were laid.
We did see a decrease in the impaired driving – blood alcohol concentration (80+) charges laid in 2020. During the year officers laid 30 impaired driving – blood alcohol concentration charges compared to 50 in 2019. However, we continue to see an increase in the number of impaired driving by drug charges laid. Throughout 2019 officers laid four charges for drug related impaired driving and 42 charges in 2020.
This, in large part, is due to an increase in the number of officers who are qualified to perform drug recognition evaluations.
At this time, we should all be spending less time travelling, but if you choose to drink or use drugs do not drive. We all have a role to play to keep this community safe.