Ottawa police see increase in impaired drivers on the roads in November
Ottawa police are seeing an increase in impaired driving charges on Ottawa roads ahead of the holiday season.
Sixty motorists were charged with impaired driving by Ottawa police in November, up from 47 impaired driving charges in November 2020.
Police tell CTV News Ottawa that the 60 drivers charged with impaired-related offences included 48 motorists impaired by alcohol and six impaired by drugs. Six motorists were charged with impaired driving for refusing a test.
Ten motorists also had their licence suspended for three days for an 'Alert-Warn' range.
Police say the average blood alcohol content for motorists charged with impaired driving was two-times the legal limit.
During the final weekend of November, 11 motorists were charged with impaired driving related offences in Ottawa. Police said four of those individuals were G1 and G2 licensed drivers.
Under Ontario's licensing system, G1 and G2 drivers must have a zero blood alcohol level.
The festive RIDE campaign is underway, with police targeting impaired motorists on roads across the city.
"It’s exciting to see family and friends or celebrate the holidays with coworkers, but as you plan your festivities, include a plan to get home safe," says Sgt. Troy Froats.
Police says there are plenty of options available – public transit, a taxi or a ride home with a designated driver.
Anyone charged with impaired driving faces an immediate 90 day driving suspension and lose their vehicle for seven days.
The Ottawa police festive RIDE campaign continues until January.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.