Sarnia police say alcohol related driving charges jumped by over 50 per cent from 2020 to 2021.
The service laid 76 such charges in 2021, compared to 50 charges in 2020.
Cst. John Sottosanti said the service is constantly monitoring impaired driving but they don't have a specific reason for the increase. However, he discussed how the public lent police a helping hand last year.
"One thing we have noticed is that members of the community witnesses have been calling in when they see someone that's driving [who they believe is impaired], and fortunately, or unfortunately, we've been able to locate a number of individuals because of these witnesses calling in."
Sottosanti said last year, the service saw a significant increase in the number of impaired by drug charges -- police laid 15 of those charges in 2021, compared to 25 in 2020.
"This year, it's gone back to the number impaired by alcohol. So, it's difficult to say -- are people drinking more as they drive? Are we just simply able to find them because of their overt actions?"
Sottosanti said it could be because their level of impairment is greater.
"And thus it becomes very obvious when they're driving and weaving in and out of traffic or getting into collisions or doing other inappropriate Highway Traffic Act maneuvers."
Police also laid 15 charges for refusal to provide a breath sample in 2021, compared to seven in 2020.
The service in conducted 17 R.I.D.E. programs from November 2021 to January 2022. It led to 13 roadside tests being administered, one impaired driving charge, two 3-day suspensions, seven Provincial Offence notices, 12 Highway Traffic Act warnings and one Liquor Licence Act Offence.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves
