Driver faces licence suspension after nearly crashing into OPP cruiser

Ontario Provincial Police cruiser - FILE IMAGE (OPP_CR)

A Midland man received a licence suspension on Friday after a close call with an OPP cruiser led to an impaired driving investigation.

Provincial police say an officer with the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment was nearly struck by the man’s vehicle on Jones Road in Midland.

“Fortunately, the officer avoided a collision with the other vehicle and was able to make a vehicle stop,” the OPP stated in a release.

"The 37 year old male driver of Midland received a seven-day licence suspension as a result of a sample result on the Intoxilyzer registering less than 80 milligrams," the release noted.

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According to police, the incident marked the second time in the last five years the Midland man had been issued a suspension.

His vehicle was towed to the impound yard for seven days as per the Ministry of Transportation’s guidelines.

While OPP officers are out in full force for the annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign until Jan. 1, the service emphasizes R.I.D.E. spot checks are conducted year-round.

“The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education,” the release added. “If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 911. In doing so, you may save a life.”