The Sault Ste Marie Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police was kept busy over the holidays, responding to 17 motor vehicle collisions on area roads since Dec. 22 where drivers were not adjusting to the weather conditions, according to a news release.
Area tow companies, fire departments and ambulance services were also dispatched to numerous motor vehicle collisions, putting everyone at risk, the release added.
For example, on Dec. 22 at approximately 9:30 p.m., a pick-up truck towing a trailer attempted to pass during poor weather conditions southbound on Highway 17 in Aweres Township.
The driver lost control and ended up in the ditch. Police determined the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages. They were subsequently arrested and transported back to the Sault Ste Marie OPP Detachment for further testing, the release stated.
Tyler McCarthy, 28, of Sault Ste Marie, became the detachment's 22nd person charged with impaired. He is accused of:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, contrary to Section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC)
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), contrary to Section 320.14(1)(b) CC
- Careless driving, contrary to Section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
- Driving while under suspension, contrary to Section 53(1) HTA
- Operate a motor vehicle without insurance, contrary to Section 2(1)(a) of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on Jan. 23. They were issued a 90-day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS) and the vehicle was impounded for fourteen days.
On Dec. 23, and Dec. 31 OPP responded to two separate domestic occurrences, charging two with domestic assault.
In addition, OPP conducted several Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) programs on area roads during the festive RIDE season.
During one RIDE program on Highway 552 in Fenwick Township, a pick-up truck was stopped. Police determined that the driver of the pick-up truck was operating the vehicle without an ignition interlock, as per previous court-imposed conditions.
Dean Candido, 54, of Deroche Township, was charged with operation while prohibited, contrary to Section 320.18(1)(a) CC.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste Marie on March 20. The vehicle was impounded for 45 days.