Nearly every day, the Ontario Provincial Police in Essex County are charging someone with impaired driving. However, Acting Superintendent Jamie Smith isn’t convinced that more people are actually drinking and driving. He believes police officers are simply catching more offenders.
“We’re catching it before tragedies happen, but our luck will run out at some point,” said Smith.
Compared to last January, impaired driving charges have risen by 60 per cent. Officers issued 757 impaired driving charges last month, up from 281 in January 2025.
Speeding tickets have also increased significantly, by 169.4 per cent, while seatbelt violations went from just one charge a year ago to 21 in January 2026.
Smith mentioned that there are now more officers on the streets focusing on seatbelt use, distracted driving, and speeding. As they crack down on these behaviors, they’re discovering more drivers who are impaired.
“If we’re doing more traffic stops and having more interactions with the public, we’re going to find more of this stuff,” said Smith. “We’ve got a heavy focus on that right now with traffic initiatives and RIDE programs.”
During the recent Festive RIDE program, Essex County led all other counties in the West Region with 269 impaired driving charges. Across Ontario, the total was 1,268.
Smith is unsure if tougher penalties will help. While penalties have increased over recent years, police continue to find impaired drivers on the road.
“The stiffer penalties have been out there, and we’re not seeing a real change,” he said. “Some other countries have zero per cent alcohol thresholds — perhaps that is where we need to go with it.”
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