Average of one impaired-related charge per day in Sudbury

Greater Sudbury Police Service say nine drivers were charged with impaired-related offences over the Labour Day long weekend.

“In six of those incidents, they were arrested and charged based on proactive patrols where officers conducted a traffic stop," said police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn.

"In two of those incidents, motor vehicle collisions were reported to us, and one of the incidents, a driver attempted to enter a closed intersection while an officer was conducting traffic control."

Dunn said the suspected impaired drivers range in age from 19 to 50. Charges include driving with an open container of liquor, failing to comply with a release order, breach of probation, obstruction of a peace officer and driving while under suspension.

“There really is no reason in this day and age to drive … impaired," Dunn said.

"It's a criminal choice with criminal consequences. It can result in a significant financial consequences, as well as injury or even death."

Kim Hancock lost her son, DJ, on Aug. 22, 2014, in a collision with an impaired driver. He was on his way home from a hockey tryout, with his parents following only a few cars behind.

"Even after 10 years, it'll never go away and the accident scene will come back in my head every day for the rest of my life." Hancock said.

Kim Hancock lost her son, DJ, on Aug. 22, 2014, in a collision with an impaired driver. He was on his way home from a hockey tryout, with his parents following only a few cars behind.

She says she’s disheartened to hear of the recent increase in impaired driving-related offences in the city.

"We are looking at, on average around one a day," Dunn said.

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"So we're looking on average around 300 a year ... Over the Labour Day weekend (in 2023), we had five impaired incidents -- in comparison to nine incidents this year."

Hancock said she would like to see stronger penalties for those who are impaired when they get behind the wheel.

"The guy who hit -- who killed -- DJ, he's getting his licence back (after) 10 years. That's what he lost it for. He's getting his licence back any time … He should never be allowed to drive again. You know, if you kill somebody for me, it's murder. It'll always be murder for the rest of my life."