A 26-year-old motorist is facing impaired driving charges following a dramatic early morning crash in east Windsor that left a white sport utility vehicle flipped on its side.
Early Morning Collision on Lauzon Road
The single-vehicle incident occurred just before 5 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the intersection of Lauzon Road and Wyandotte Street East. According to the Windsor Police Service, the vehicle struck a utility pole, causing it to roll onto its side.
Miraculously, police reported that there were no physical injuries from the collision. However, while officers were speaking with the driver at the scene, they noted an odour of alcohol on his breath and observed other signs of impairment.
Arrest and Charges Laid
The man was subsequently arrested and transported to Windsor police headquarters for further testing. There, he allegedly failed a breathalyzer test.
The driver now faces two criminal charges:
- Impaired operation of a motor vehicle.
- Operation while over the legal blood alcohol concentration limit.
Increased Holiday Enforcement Underway
This arrest comes as police services across Ontario ramp up their seasonal traffic safety initiatives. Officials warn that from now until January 1, 2024, drivers in Windsor and Amherstburg can expect to see an increased police presence as part of the annual #FestiveRIDE campaign.
This province-wide enforcement and awareness initiative is dedicated to removing impaired drivers from the roads and keeping communities safer during the holiday season. The campaign involves regular spot checks and heightened vigilance for signs of impaired driving.
The Ontario Provincial Police have also recently reported a significant increase in distracted driving charges on Essex County roads they patrol, indicating a broader, stepped-up enforcement effort that will continue through the holidays.
The message from authorities is clear: if you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis, plan for a safe ride home. The consequences of impaired driving, as demonstrated by Friday's crash, can be severe and life-altering.
