705BLACKFLY.COM monitors police news releases in the 705 region of Ontario daily, and we’ve noticed a concerning number of impaired drivers and boaters this summer. One news release from the OPP states that impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads.
On August 14th, Bracebridge OPP charged a man after multiple collisions were reported on Southwood Road. On August 13th at 10:20 p.m. Bracebridge OPP officers responded to reports of several motor vehicle collisions. After striking several vehicles, the suspect did not stop and continued driving. Fortunately there were no reported injuries.
Officers located the vehicle on Southwood Road near Muskoka Road 169 and subsequently arrested and charged 43-year-old Ryan Steele of Gravenhurst with Operation while Impaired by Drug, Dangerous Operation and Fail to Remain. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 30th.
“Impaired driving continues to be a focus for the Bracebridge OPP,” Inspector Beebe, Detachment Commander at Bracebridge OPP said in a statement to 705BLACKFLY.COM. “RIDE programs have been continuously conducted throughout the District of Muskoka to deter people from driving impaired. The OPP will hold people accountable to impaired driving laws for those who choose to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. Please prepare, have alternate ways to get home and help keep our roadways, highways, trails and waterways safe for all to enjoy.”
In Huntsville on August 10th, officers responded to reports of a vehicle that struck a fence at McCulley-Robertson Sports Complex on Williams Street. Police located the vehicle a short distance away and determined that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol. 30 year-old Sean McNaughton faces multiple charges including:
- Have care or control of vehicle with cannabis readily available
- Have care or control of motor vehicle with open container of liquor
- Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero
And in Orillia, a complaint of a suspicious vehicle led to several charges. On August 12th, officers found a driver slumped over at a business on Monarch Drive. After an investigation, she was determined to be impaired. The accused was transported back to the Orillia Detachment for further testing by a Drug Recognition Expert. 39-year-old Samantha Vernon faces several charges including multiple possession offences.
Impaired driving continues to be a persistent problem in Ontario, with one in three road deaths involving impaired drivers, according to provincial data in 2024.
In 2025, Ontario implemented tougher penalties to combat impaired driving. Anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death receives a lifetime licence suspension. Ontario also requires anyone convicted of impaired driving to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and undergo mandatory remedial education and treatment for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offences respectively.
It can’t be emphasized enough – do not get behind the wheel impaired. Arrange for a safe ride home. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1.
