South Bruce OPP charge impaired driver in Kincardine

(KINCARDINE, ON) - July 11, at 11:13 p.m., the South Bruce OPP was conducting a Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) check on Bruce County Road 23 in the Municipality of Kincardine.

Officers were utilizing Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) which means an Alcohol Screening Device (ASD) is used on every driver. A vehicle entered the RIDE check and the driver registered a fail on the ASD.

As a result, Robert Melanson, 57, of Hamilton was charged with operation while impaired - blood-alcohol concentration (80-plus).

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, Walkerton, Sept. 4.

*THIS CHARGE HAS YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*

As part of enhancing its efforts to deter impaired drivers and make roads safer, OPP officers throughout Ontario are now conducting MAS as part of every lawful traffic stop.

Drivers are reminded that the federal MAS law allows a police officer with an approved ASD to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully-stopped driver without having reasonable suspicion that a driver is alcohol-impaired.

If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911.