1,100 Impaired Charges In York Region Along

It’s been one year since York Regional Police attended and investigated one of the most tragic cases of impaired driving in this country and sadly there is no sign of people choosing to drive drunk is decreasing.

The following is from the media release that was issued on September 29, 2015.

On Sunday, September 27, 2015, at 4:10 p.m., police were called to a serious three-vehicle collision that had occurred in the intersection of Kirby Road and Kipling Avenue. One of the vehicles involved had six occupants inside, all suffering injuries. A 65-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Three children, all under the age of 10 were also removed from the vehicle suffering from life-threatening injuries. They were taken to hospital where, sadly, a nine-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries and shortly after midnight the other two children, a five-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl, succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

In the weeks and months following the collision we learned, through the words of a grieving mother supported by a grieving father desperate to keep memories alive that Gary Neville and three children Harrison, Milly and Daniel Neville-Lake were the direct victims of the collision.

Since the collision in September 2015, York Regional Police have laid more than 1,100 impaired-related criminal driving charges. That number is similar to the previous year which was steadily increasing over the previous three years.

“Despite all of our efforts, sadly we continue to deal with people that are making the choice to drink alcohol or use drugs and drive and let me be clear, it is a choice,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “The consequences of making these bad decisions have never been more apparent. The grief and sorrow that continues to be felt extends far beyond the immediate family, first responders and our investigators. It has touched our entire community.”

“Yet people are still being allowed to have a drink or use drugs and get behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired. I am once again asking that those who decide to have any alcohol or drugs to not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. I am also calling upon friends or family members who watch their loved ones have a drink or use drugs to be that person and stand up to prevent them from driving. Impaired driving is completely preventable and we must all do our part to prevent another tragedy on our roads,” he said.

Citizens are reminded that impaired driving is considered a crime in progress. If you spot someone that you believe may be impaired, you are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. We will respond and we will investigate.

Penalties if caught by police while driving impaired include drivers licence suspensions, potential fines, jail time and significant legal and insurance fees. Other costs often include repairing damage to vehicles, medical costs due to injury, lost wages and the ultimate price taking your life, or someone else’s.

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