2016 was one of the worst years for impaired driving deaths in York Region

Nine people were killedin impaired drivingincidents in York Region in 2016, promptingpolice to call it one of the worst recent years they've seen forimpaired driving deaths.

There were 1,265impaired driving incidents last year, up 10 from 2015, andpolice say these numbers are continually increasing.

85 per cent of impaireddrivers who were arrestedweremen, and almost halfranged in age from 22 to 34.

Nearly half ofthe women arrested were 26 to 45 years old.

Thesestatisticsfollow several recent impaired driving campaigns that York police havelaunched on social media targeting young drivers and adults.

Part of the campaign's message is that policealsoneed the public's helpto stop impaired drivers.

In the last year, police havelaid 1,626 impaired driving charges,slightly down from 2015.

81 of those charges involveddriving under the influence of drugs. Drug-impaired charges wereup 69 per centfrom 2015, and drivers were found to be under the influence ofmarijuana, cocaine, ketamine, fentanyl, and prescription medications.

"These incredibly disappointing numbers must serve as a wake-up call that something has to change," said York Regional Police Chief EricJolliffe.

"It's alarming that prior to the pending legalization of marijuana we are seeing this spike of drivers impaired by drugs. In light of the continued warnings about the dangers of impaired driving from police services across Canada, it's shocking that anyone feels they have the right to risk the lives of innocent people by drinking alcohol or using drugs and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle."

The number of people charged afterdrinking at a homebefore driving instead of a bar or club has also increased.

"I can assure our community that York Regional Police is not giving up. We will continue to use education, enforcement and every tool at our disposal in our fight against impaired driving," saidJolliffe.