89 crashes involved impaired drivers this year in Mississauga: police

Citing police numbers that show impaired driving played a role in 89 crashes so far this year in Mississauga, city officials say it’s a problem that urgently needs to be addressed — particularly during the holiday season.

“While there’s a lot to celebrate this time of year, it’s important to do so responsibly. Road collisions due to impaired driving continue to be a problem in Mississauga,” City of Mississauga officials said in a news release. “Through the holiday season, the rate of collisions due to impaired driving is higher. That’s why the city is partnering with Peel Regional Police to remind drivers to be responsible by staying sober or finding a safe alternative.”

In delivering their road safety message, city officials point to Peel police statistics that show impaired driving (under the influence of either drugs or alcohol) “continues to be a concern in Mississauga.”

Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, there were 89 collisions that involved impaired drivers on Mississauga roads, the city said.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis is dangerous for yourself, your passengers as well as other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists,” city officials said in the news release. “A collision that results in a fatality or serious injury has significant consequences to those involved and their loved ones.

“Driving impaired is dangerous as even minimal amounts can affect your driving skills,” officials continued. “Driving requires full control over your mind and body and requires you to be alert so you can make quick decisions. When you drink or consume drugs, it can disrupt your ability to focus, affecting your risk perception, motor skills, reaction time, decision-making abilities and overall coordination.”

Mississauga officials also remind people of the stiff penalties for impaired driving, saying such drivers risk an immediate licence suspension, hefty fines, education or treatment programs and vehicle impoundment.

“Penalties can vary depending on your age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system and how many times you have been convicted or had your licence suspended,” they added.

Meanwhile, Peel police are in the midst of their annual Holiday Season RIDE campaign aimed at getting impaired and drunk drivers off the roads in Mississauga and Brampton.

As of this past weekend, some 7,000 vehicles had been pulled aside and more than 60 people charged since the campaign kicked off in mid-November.

In addition, more than 650 Highway Traffic Act charges or cautions have been issued by officers.

The campaign continues until Dec. 31, but police remind people that they conduct roadside spot checks year-round.

“Impaired driving puts everyone at risk and it can devastate families,” Peel police Deputy Chief Mark Dapat said two weeks ago as the campaign was officially launched. “There is no excuse for driving impaired. Please plan ahead and protect yourself, your loved ones and our community.”

Last year’s Peel police Holiday Season RIDE campaign resulted in 155 impaired-related charges being laid and 116 drivers receiving three-day licence suspensions. In total, police investigated more than 12,000 vehicles during their 2023 effort.

Police numbers show that between 2018 and 2022, there were 34 deaths and many more serious injuries due to impaired driving collisions in Mississauga and Brampton.