Two people were hospitalized following a head-on collision on Fairview Road on Thursday March 19th, that resulted in an impaired driving charge.
Barrie police officers responded to reports of a serious crash at around 8:30 p.m. in the city’s south end. Barrie Fire and Emergency Services and Simcoe County Paramedic Services attended and provided medical care at the scene. Paramedics transported two individuals from one vehicle to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries, while the occupants of the second vehicle were assessed at the scene.
Through the investigation, police determined the driver of a southbound vehicle lost control and collided with a northbound vehicle. Officers located open beer containers inside the southbound vehicle, and an impaired driving investigation was initiated.
As a result of the investigation, a 71-year-old Barrie man has been charged with: Operation While Impaired, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
A 55-year-old male passenger from the same vehicle was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the second vehicle, a 43-year-old Barrie man and a 20-year-old Barrie woman, did not require hospitalization.
Fairview Road was closed for several hours while the Barrie Police Service Traffic Unit conducted its investigation and reopened shortly after 12:30 a.m. The investigation is ongoing.
March 15–21 marks National Impaired Driving Prevention Week. Officers see firsthand the consequences of impaired driving, where one poor decision can permanently affect families, friendships, and entire communities. Driving is a privilege that carries responsibility. Choosing to drive impaired puts everyone on the road at risk. Police encourage motorists to plan ahead and make responsible choices to help keep our roads safe.
On January 1st, 2026, Ontario changed the Highway Traffic Act to include a lifetime licence suspension for impaired driving causing death. First-time offenders caught under the influence will lose their licence for seven days, up from the three-day suspension. Roadside penalties include immediate licence suspension, impoundment, fines, ignition interlock devices and education programs.
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