Drunk, drugged drivers face charges

Ride checks Saturday night nabbed a few impaired drivers, including one under the influence of drugs.

In a news release Sunday, Greater Sudbury Police said checks were set up Saturday at Lasalle Boulevard west of Notre Dame, Big Nickel Mine Road at Elm Street and Paris Street at John Street. In all, 15 charges were laid for offences ranging from impaired driving to not wearing a seatbelt.

One seven-day and two 90-day licence suspensions were issued, while eight people were charged with seatbelt or speeding infractions. One person was charged for drunk driving, while another for drugged driving, which was detected “by drug odour, along with signs of impairment,” police said in the release.

In all, 517 drivers were checked.

The ongoing Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E.) Program aims to reduce property damage, injuries and death caused by impaired driving. The spot checks are set up along roads that “target high-incident / high-complaint areas,” the release said.

Anyone who spots an impaired driver is asked to contact police at 705-674-7511, Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com or by texting TIPSUD and the information to CRIMES (274637).