Staggering increase in impaired driving charges in Orillia

Orillia OPP says it is seeing a marked increase in impaired driving charges.

The numbers are out: Orillia’s impaired driving charges have risen by 25% since 2022.

Like a ticking doomsday clock, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) figure it is charging an impaired driver once every 21 hours.

The Orillia OPP laid roughly 420 impaired-related charges in 2024. This was up almost 25% from the 304 charges laid in 2022, and up almost 14% from the almsot 340 charges laid in 2023.

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All drivers charged with impaired driving will have their driver’s licence suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for seven days.

The Orillia OPP urges everyone to plan ahead and arrange for a safe ride home. Call a friend or call a cab. Remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

OPP wants to remind the public that if they see a suspected impaired driver, dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online.

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Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and callers remain anonymous. Callers will not testify in court and their information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.