Impaired driving continues to escalate in Sudbury: police

Sudbury police say they are seeing a "disturbing" trend towards more drinking and driving in the city.

Greater Sudbury Police Chief Paul Pederson said there were 184 impaired driving offences in the city last year a four per cent increase from the year before.

"There's not a week that goes by that there isn't another story of somebody involved in drinking and driving or impaired related car accident," Pederson said.

He noted there are still many issues that play into people driving impaired in the community, and those include access to transportation like transit and taxis.

But ultimately, Pedersen said, people must make the choice to plan ahead for their ride home.

"Somebody might not steal something they think that that's bad. But to hop behind a car and drink and drive they sort of see as acceptable."

The OPP has also pointed out the continued increase in drinking and driving offences. In a news release Thursday, policesaid they are concerned that the message is not getting across to drivers about drinking and driving.

North Bay OPP saidthey've charged six people withimpaired drivingin the last seven days.

"When you are charged with impaired, your driver's licence is suspended for 90 days and your vehicle is towed and impounded for seven days immediately," the news release stated.

If convicted:

• You will receive a fine of not less than $1,000
• A minimum one year driver's licence suspension
• Ignition interlock condition on your licence
• You will have to take the Back on Track Program at the Ministry of Transportation
• Your insurance will increase
• You will have a criminal record.

Any person with information regarding impaired driversshould immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-112, they added.