THUNDER BAY — The number of impaired driving charges this year is already exceeding that of last year and with the festive season just around the corner, the Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding the public that drinking and driving is a choice, and one that comes with major and possible tragic consequences.
“If you decide to make a poor decision and come into contact with us, you will be arrested, charged, we will do our best to convict you, your insurance premiums are going to go through the roof, and a number of other penalties,” said Insp. Ryan Gibson.
“Why? For one night out? And god forbid the worst case happens, you kill someone. I don’t know how you live with yourself for such an avoidable tragedy.”
The Thunder Bay Police Service, along with several other agencies including the Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Anishinabek Police Service, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service launched the annual Festive RIDE program launch on Thursday.
Set up at the busy section of James Street South just before the swing bridge, motorists were reminded to not get behind the wheel this holiday season if impaired by either drugs or alcohol.
“Unfortunately, it is a time year when people do imbibe a bit more and we know there are impaired drivers out there on the street and we want to catch them and also strongly encourage people from doing that in the first place,” Gibson said.
According to Gibson, at this time last year the Thunder Bay Police Service had laid 173 impaired driving charges, 50 per cent of which involved drugs. This year that number is already at 185 and Gibson said they are on pace to reach more than 200.
Gibson added it comes down to making the proper arrangements for transportation prior to going out or consuming alcohol or drugs.
“People make poor decisions when they are impaired. That is why when you are planning to go out, don’t take your vehicle. Make alternative arrangements,” he said.
“We are going to be out there. If you are planning a night out, then you also have an ability to make arrangements in advance where you don’t have to drive. Don’t wait until you are not thinking quite clearly. There is no excuse for it.”
Operation Red Nose, which operated locally by helping to get people and their vehicles back home over the holiday season, is not running this year due to a lack of volunteers.
But Gibson bluntly said that such a service not being available is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired.
“If you have the money to get intoxicated and you have the functional ability to make the decision to what you are going to do that night, then you have the ability as a grownup to make arrangements to get home that night,” he said.
“It is not society’s fault that you decided to drink and drive or get high and drive and hurt someone. Driving is a privilege. It is an excuse that is unacceptable that it is up to someone else to get you home. If you get impaired and you go on our roads and we find you, we are going to arrest you. Personal responsibility is what it boils down to.”
