Driver Facing Impaired By Drug Charge – Name Released

(TOWNSHIP OF PERTH SOUTH, ON) – On Friday June 17, 2016, shortly after 11:30 a.m., a Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was dispatched to a traffic complaint south of Stratford involving a Chevrolet Cavalier that was being driven erratically.

The officer located the erratically driven car, and conducted a traffic stop. The male driver of the car displayed signs of impairment. He was given a standard field sobriety test and was subsequently transported to the Perth County OPP Detachment in Sebringville, where he was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

Suspected marihuana was also located in the vehicle.

As a result of the DRE evaluation, 38-year-old Danny REID of Kitchener has been charged with “driving while ability impaired – motor vehicle (drug), contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. He has also been charged for “possession of a schedule II substance – cannabis marihuana – under 30 grams”, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

He was released on a Promise to Appear and is scheduled to attend at the Stratford Court of Justice on Monday July 18, 2016, to answer to these charges.

This impaired by drug offence is the third one investigated by the Perth County OPP within a month. A driver was arrested and charged on May 20, 2016, in Milverton while another driver was arrested and charged on May 27, 2016 in Listowel.

Drivers need to be aware that drugs can also impair your ability to drive. This applies to illegal drugs and prescription or over-the-counter medication.

Tips to avoid impaired driving

There are simple steps you can take to avoid driving while you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol:

make sure you have a plan to get home safely

ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects related to driving when using prescription medication

read the information on the package of any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine, including allergy and cold remedies

ask your doctor or pharmacist about how a prescription drug could affect you- drugs and alcohol together can impair your driving even more than either one alone

Remember, fatigue and stress will also affect your ability to drive safely.

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