Brampton drivers rack up nearly a dozen charges in long weekend crashes and traffic stops

Several drivers from Brampton kept police busy on the Canada Day long weekend with crashes leading to impaired driving charges in Caledon.

Between June 21 and July 2, the OPP says Caledon cops have laid some 884 charges including 265 speeding offences, 140 improper use of seat belts charges and 15 for impaired driving.

Seven of those impaired driving charges came over the Canada Day long weekend following a five-vehicle crash, traffic stops and calls from the public.

The first impaired driving charge came on the long weekend Friday just before 6 p.m. following a three-vehicle collision on Mississauga Road near The Grange Sideroad. No injuries were reported but police say a 24-year-old driver from Brampton was charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The next day also around 6 p.m., police say there was a five-car pile-up on Highway 50 near McEwan Drive. Again no injuries were reported, however, a 25-year-old Brampton driver was charged with operation while impaired – alcohol, operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), and drive vehicle with cannabis readily available.

At least six drivers from Brampton were stopped in the impaired and safe driving crackdown and hit with nearly a dozen combined charges. One driver from Caledon was also charged on Sunday following a single-vehicle crash on Airport Road.

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All seven of the accused drivers are scheduled to make court appearances in Orangeville on July 18.

Police in Hamilton were also out in force searching for impaired drivers on the long weekend with 220 tickets issued during Canada Day weekend R.I.D.E checkstops.

Impaired driving offences in Ontario can lead to immediate licence suspensions, fines, vehicle impoundment, and enrollment in education or treatment programs.

“If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan to not drive,” the OPP said in a release. “Instead, arrange for a designated driver, take a taxi or public transit, or come up with another plan that takes impaired driving out of the picture.”

Police say anyone who suspects a driver of operating while impaired by drugs or alcohol is encouraged to call 911 and report it when safe to do so. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.