A Lakeshore driver is facing serious charges after his vehicle ended up in a ditch early Thursday morning, prompting a response from Ontario Provincial Police.
Early Morning Incident on County Road 42
Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to the scene around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday after receiving reports of a single vehicle in a ditch. The incident occurred at the intersection of County Road 42 and Golfview Drive in the Lakeshore area.
Police confirmed that despite the vehicle leaving the roadway and ending up in the ditch, there were no injuries resulting from the collision. The quick response from emergency services helped ensure the safety of all involved.
Charges and Consequences
A 58-year-old Lakeshore man was arrested at the scene and now faces a significant charge: failure or refusal to comply with a demand for a breath sample. This charge relates to suspected impaired driving and carries serious legal implications.
In addition to the criminal charge, the driver received immediate administrative penalties. His driver's licence has been suspended for 90 days, and his vehicle was impounded for seven days as part of standard OPP procedures for such incidents.
OPP Reminds Public About Impaired Driving
The Ontario Provincial Police used this incident to remind the public about the dangers of impaired driving. Authorities emphasized that anyone who suspects someone is operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol should take immediate action.
For emergency situations where there is an urgent traffic complaint or suspicion of impaired driving, the public is advised to call 911 immediately. This allows for the fastest possible response from law enforcement and emergency services.
For non-emergency traffic complaints, residents can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through their online platform.
This incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from impaired driving, including criminal charges, licence suspensions, and vehicle impoundments. The OPP continues to emphasize the importance of safe driving practices and compliance with traffic laws throughout Ontario.