Hamilton Police charged eight drivers with impaired driving-related offences over the weekend, highlighting the continued danger impaired driving poses to everyone on our roads.

The incidents occurred across the city and included traffic stops, motor vehicle collisions, reports from concerned members of the public, and information shared by a partner police service.

Among the incidents:

• A driver was located after their vehicle ended up in a ditch. The caller, concerned the driver had been drinking, contacted police.
• A driver failed to stop at an intersection, causing a collision that sent another motorist to hospital with minor injuries.
• Officers located a driver unconscious behind the wheel of a running vehicle in the middle of the roadway after receiving a report from the public.
• Drivers were stopped after officers observed dangerous driving behaviours, including excessive speed and an inability to maintain a lane.
• One driver refused to comply with a lawful breath demand, which is a Criminal Code offence carrying the same serious consequences as impaired driving.

Several of the drivers provided breath samples registering well over twice the legal limit.

These eight arrests are a reminder that impaired driving remains a persistent public safety issue in our community. Every one of these incidents was preventable. In one weekend alone, impaired driving resulted in collisions, injuries, and dangerous situations that put innocent road users at risk.

Hamilton Police continue to rely on a combination of proactive enforcement and information from the public to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads. We thank the community members who recognized the signs of impairment and contacted police. Their actions may have prevented serious injury or even saved a life.

Whether impairment is caused by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, the message is simple: if you're impaired, don't drive. Plan ahead, arrange a designated driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, take public transit, or stay where you are until you are sober.

If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your call could prevent the next collision and help keep Hamilton's roads safe.