Safe driving begins with focus, responsibility, and good judgment. Every year, preventable collisions cause serious injuries and deaths on Ontario roads. The Woodstock Police Service reminds all motorists that staying alert and sober behind the wheel saves lives.
Distracted Driving
Driving requires your full attention. Any activity that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving is a distraction.
This includes adjusting your stereo, eating or drinking, reaching for items, programming your GPS, or using a phone.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
- Keep your phone out of reach or use “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode.
- Download anti-texting or hands-free safety apps.
- Never text or call someone you know is driving.
- Have a passenger manage calls or messages.
- Set your music, mirrors, and navigation before driving.
- If you must use your phone, pull over safely and park before answering.
Penalties in Ontario include:
- Fines between $615 and $3,000
- 3 to 6 demerit points
- Licence suspensions (30–90 days for novice and repeat offenders)
Key Facts
Sources: CAA, Transport Canada
- Distracted driving contributes to 4 million collisions every year in North America.
- Drivers using a phone are up to 23 times more likely to crash.
- Distracted drivers are three times more likely to be in a collision.
- In Ontario, distracted driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes, often surpassing impaired driving.
Impaired Driving
Driving while impaired — by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs — is a criminal offence and one of the leading causes of road deaths in Canada.
Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among people aged 16–25, with alcohol and/or drugs involved in over 50% of those cases (MADD Canada).
Drug-Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of any drug — including cannabis, prescription medications, or illegal substances — is both dangerous and illegal.
Drugs can impair your:
- Reaction time
- Coordination and motor control
- Depth perception
- Concentration and focus
- Peripheral vision
If stopped by police, officers may conduct a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) or refer the driver to a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
If impairment is suspected, the officer may demand a breath, saliva, blood, or urine sample for testing.
Prohibited Drug Levels (Government of Canada)
THC (Cannabis):
- 2–5 ng per ml of blood = summary conviction offence.
- 5 ng or more per ml = criminal offence.
Combination (Alcohol + Cannabis):
- 50 mg or more of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
- 2.5 ng or more of THC per ml of blood.
Other Drugs:
- Any detectable amount of LSD, cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin, PCP, or heroin (6-MAM) within 2 hours of driving.
- GHB: 5 mg or more per litre of blood (to account for naturally occurring levels).
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 80 mg or more per 100 ml of blood within two hours of driving is a Criminal Code offence.
Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce coordination and slow reaction time. Ontario also enforces administrative penalties under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) for lower BAC readings.
BAC Limits in Ontario
Fully Licensed (G-class) Drivers:
- Warn range: 0.05–0.079 BAC — Immediate roadside suspensions and escalating fines apply.
- Criminal offence: 0.08 BAC and above.
Novice Drivers (G1, G2, M1, M2):
- Must maintain zero BAC while driving.
- Any detectable alcohol results in a 3-day roadside suspension, with increasing penalties for repeat offences.
Young Drivers (Under 21 years old):
- Must also maintain zero BAC, regardless of licence class.
- Same penalties as novice drivers apply.
Commercial Drivers (A, B, C, D, E, F, or Z-licence holders):
- Must maintain zero BAC and zero presence of drugs while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
A roadside test indicating any alcohol or drug presence results in:
- 3-day licence suspension for a first offence.
- 7-day suspension for a second offence.
- 30-day suspension for a third or subsequent offence.
Additional consequences include possible impoundment of the vehicle, fines, and employer notification through CVOR records.
Finding a Safe Way Home
- If you plan to drink or use drugs — don’t drive.
- Arrange a designated sober driver.
- Use public transit, a taxi, or rideshare.
- Stay overnight at a friend’s home or nearby accommodation.
Rideshare Safety Tips
- Confirm the vehicle, driver name, and licence plate before getting in.
- Sit in the back seat, especially if riding alone.
- Always buckle your seatbelt.
- Share your trip details with a friend or family member.
- Do not share personal contact information with the driver.
- If you feel unsafe, end the trip and call 911.
Penalties for Impaired Driving
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Charge
Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 80 mg or more per 100 ml of blood within two hours of driving.
Penalty
- 1st offence
Minimum $1,000 fine; maximum 10 years imprisonment. - 2nd offence
Minimum 30 days imprisonment; maximum 10 years imprisonment. - 3rd offence
Minimum 120 days imprisonment; maximum 10 years imprisonment.
Drug-Impaired Driving
Charge
Operating a motor vehicle with 5 ng or more of THC per ml of blood within two hours of driving, or having a detectable amount of prohibited drugs.
Penalty
- 1st offence
Minimum $1,000 fine; maximum 10 years imprisonment. - 2nd offence
Minimum 30 days imprisonment; maximum 10 years imprisonment. - 3rd offence
Minimum 120 days imprisonment; maximum 10 years imprisonment.
Combination (Alcohol + Cannabis)
Charge
Having a BAC of 50 mg per 100 ml of blood and 2.5 ng or more of THC per ml of blood within two hours of driving.
Penalty
- 1st offence
Minimum $1,000 fine; maximum 10 years imprisonment. - 2nd offence
Minimum 30 days imprisonment; maximum 10 years imprisonment. - 3rd offence
Minimum 120 days imprisonment; maximum 10 years imprisonment.
Other Impaired-Related Offences
Refusal to Comply with a Demand:
- 1st offence
Minimum $2,000 fine. - 2nd offence
Minimum 30 days imprisonment. - 3rd offence
Minimum 120 days imprisonment.
Summary Conviction – THC (2–5 ng/ml):
Maximum $1,000 fine.
Impaired Driving Causing Bodily Harm:
Summary conviction: Up to 2 years less a day.
Indictment: Up to 14 years imprisonment.
Impaired Driving Causing Death:
Indictment: Maximum life imprisonment.
Remember
Every decision behind the wheel matters.
Stay alert. Stay sober. Stay safe.If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 immediately and report the vehicle’s description, location, and direction of travel.