Stock Photo of an impaired driver taking a test
An alert officer with the Barrie Police Service prevented a potentially serious collision after stopping a vehicle travelling the wrong way on a Highway 400 ramp last week.
Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17th, an officer on patrol near Bayfield Street observed a vehicle heading northbound onto the southbound ramp to Highway 400, placing oncoming motorists at significant risk. The officer conducted a traffic stop before the vehicle could merge onto the highway in the wrong direction.
Police say the driver showed obvious signs of impairment during the interaction. He was arrested and transported to Barrie Police Headquarters for further testing.
A 25-year-old man from Bradford has been charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
- Drive motor vehicle – no licence
- Dangerous operation
Police say the incident could have ended very differently, noting the officer’s quick actions helped prevent a dangerous situation for the driver, other motorists and responding officers.
Impaired driving charges carry serious consequences, including an immediate licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, significant fines and a criminal record upon conviction.
