Impaired Driving Continues to Plague Eastern Ontario Roads

Press Release – OPP East Region

A disturbing number of drivers across eastern Ontario continue to get behind the wheel after drinking or consuming drugs.

As of the end of June, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers across the region have investigated 575 impaired driving incidents. While that is down slight from the same period in 2024, it is still a cause for concern.

“One impaired driver is one too many. We know impaired driving can have a deadly impact, affecting not only that driver, but potentially others on the roads and highways, innocent families,” said Inspector Josh Kingsley, OPP East Region Traffic & Marine Manager.

In the first half of 2025, the OPP investigated 22 fatal collisions on eastern Ontario roads, resulting in the deaths of 25 people. Impaired driving played a role in five of those deaths.

OPP officers across eastern Ontario are on the roads 24/7, looking for those who engage in dangerous driving habits like impaired driving. If you suspect someone if driving impaired, call 9-1-1. You could help save lives.