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35 drivers charged with impaired over Thanskgiving weekend

Including one at a McDonald’s drive-thru window
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NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police actively participated in the nationwide Operation Impact traffic safety initiative which took place from Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 to Monday, Oct. 8, 2018.

As part of Operation Impact, York Regional Police officers were targeting four preventable offences that contribute most to death and serious injury on Canadian roadways: seatbelt infractions, distracted, aggressive and impaired driving.

Over the course of the weekend, officers laid 548 charges related to aggressive driving, 69 charges for distracted driving offences and 15 charges related to improper use of seatbelts. In addition, there were 35 charges laid for impaired driving.

On Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 at approximately 1:45 a.m., officers responded to a call at a McDonald’s drive-thru window for a male driver who passed out behind the wheel. Concerned citizens removed the keys and blocked in the vehicle to detain the driver until officers arrived. The driver was arrested and has been charged with having care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol.

York Regional Police will continue our efforts in keeping our roads safe and remind motorists not to speed or drive aggressively. There is a direct relationship between speed and the level of injury in motor vehicle collisions and drivers need to slow down. York Regional Police will continue to stop and ticket those drivers who put others at risk by speeding or operating their motor vehicles without due care and control.

Distracted driving refers to all forms of inattention, including eating, drinking, watching television, texting, talking on a phone or searching for something in the car while driving.

Seatbelts have been proven to save lives. Drivers and passengers should get in the habit of putting on their seatbelt immediately when getting into a motor vehicle. York Regional Police will continue to charge drivers and occupants of vehicles who do not buckle up. Increasing seatbelt use will reduce the number of injuries and deaths each year on our roadways.

If you drink or use drugs, don’t drive. Consider arranging for a designated driver or overnight accommodations.  You also have the option of using public transit or calling a taxi, instead. Dialling #TAXI (#8294) on your cell phone will connect you to the nearest taxi company.

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